10 Best Surf Fishing Reels In 2023

If you want the best surf fishing reel but are on a tight budget or just want a reel to try out surf fishing, the Rapid might turn out to be just what you're looking for. Even with its low price tag, it is smooth, powerful, anti-corrosive, and durable just like the best surf fishing reel should be. Given its price range, you will be pleasantly surprised at how solid it feels and how good its performance is.

Its aluminum spool and dynamic rotor are sealed and bearings shielded to prevent saltwater, dust, and sand from corroding the bearings and gear system. The reel body is coated for corrosive resistance. A lightweight design and comfortable EVA handle give it an amazing feel in the hand.

When it comes to fighting fish, it can handle inshore species encountered in the surf easily thanks to its enhanced shaft strength, strong and smooth drag system with a 15kg/33 pound max drag, 10 + 1 high-quality stainless steel ball bearings, and a 6.2:1 gear ratio.

The power, casting range, anti-corrosion build, and durability of the Haibo plus its top rated performance surf fishing make it one of the best long distance surf casting reels. A max drag of 61.7 lbs provided by the CH-50 and carbon fiber drag washers, 6 stainless steel ball bearings with an instant infinite anti-reverse system to prevent backplay and a long wheelbase design spool that is braid friendly equips it for long distance surf casting, jigging fishing, and large saltwater fish battles.

All-metal metal body, fully machined gear train, precise gear alignment with the rotor, heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, heavy power handle and sealed bearing and drag system give it the strength and resiliency to withstand the harshness of heavy fish fighting and saltwater corrosion.

If you prefer a baitcasting reel that will give you more power and control when surf fishing, the Pflueger President XT is definitely one of the best surf casting reels. This is not just because it is from a popular brand that makes excellent reels for the money. It is equipped to handle the job and has proven its performance on the water given that it is one of the top rated surf casting reels. As an inexpensive baitcaster, it is great for those on a budget or looking for their first baitcaster for surf fishing

For a smooth performance on the cast and retrieve, it is equipped with a powerful and smooth drag, 9 ball bearings plus a one-way anti-reverse bearing, and a magnetic braking system. A 7.3:1 gear ratio offers high-speed line retrievals just in case a fast swimmer comes towards you. The spool can hold 185/20 140/30 100/50 Yards/lbs braid and 145/12 125/14 100/17 Yards/lbs mono. Once you get the brakes and tension set just right, it will cast a very far and it doesn't backlash easily.

Its low profile design, lightweight C45 side plates, and aircraft-grade aluminum handle with an easy to grip SoftTouch rubber knob feel good in the hand making the reel comfortable to use. Corrosion resistant stainless steel bearing system arm it for durability.

The Okuma Azores is a high quality yet affordable sleek looking reel. What makes it one of the best saltwater surf fishing reels is that it has a solid build that handles saltwater, strong current, and marine abuse without issue. It also has a powerful drag for handling strong saltwater species.

Its surf fishing performance whether deep jigging or handling large fish is smooth thanks to its powerful precision Dual Force Drag system with up to 44 pounds drag and precise adjustments provided by the multi-disc, carbonite and felt drag washers and click drag adjustment. 6 bearings plus a quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system ensure retrieve is smooth. An oversized, braid-ready spool offers the line capacity for surf fishing.

Its strong and holds up well with saltwater use thanks to its all-metal aluminum body, side plates, and rotor, machine cut pinion gear, sealed drag, stainless steel ball bearings and high-density gearing, and an anticorrosive coating throughout that give it the resiliency and durability required for saltwater use.

The Cabo PT is not just a good looking spin reel with a sleek finish, its outstanding drag, saltwater tough build, and smooth performance makes it a popular go-to surf fishing reel for avid saltwater anglers targeting big game fish.

For strength and durability, the titanium fail-proof bail system with a magnetic trip and super hard PT gears make it a strong and durable reel. Saltwater doesn't shorten its lifespan as it features layers of corrosion resistant protection as well as a sealed magnum drag system and clutch.

The slick aluminum spool utilizes LMS line management system for smooth and long distance casting of braided line with no tangles or slipping. The large handle knob feels good in the hand when retrieving and the powerful drag offers up to 45 lbs of stopping power when you hook large game fish.

If you're looking for the toughest surf fishing reel for heavy-duty use handling large fish and pounding waves, the Fin Nor is a strong and powerful beast of a reel designed for long-lasting performance in harsh offshore environments. Its construction features an aluminum body, side plate and rotor, machined stainless steel drive and pinion gears and center shaft, double-shielded stainless steel bearings, oversized multi-stack drag with carbon fiber washers, and a forged aluminum spool.

Its spool accommodates braided line for long distance casting. For handling heavy fish that put up a good fight, its drag has up to 60 pounds of drag power and it is equipped with 4 high quality ball bearings. The 4.4:1 gear ratio offers cranking power for hauling heavy fish although this is at the expense of fast retrieval speed. Be sure to register your reel within 10 days of purchase to benefit from the warranty.

The blue accents on the Ambassadeur Blue Yonder match the scenic scenery when surf fishing but that is not the only good thing about it. Features that make it among the best surf casting reels for fishing off the beach are its corrosion resistant build, long distance casting capability and a nice, smooth drag with carbon washers. The open spool design offers easy and quick access to the spool. The handle setup gives it a fighting feel.

If you're looking for a long distance surf casting reel, this one casts very far and casting it is easy. As for bird nest issues, it is very forgiving on backlash once you get the hang of its operation. This makes it a great baitcaster for a beginner looking for their first casting reel for surf fishing. Abu Garcia makes high quality reels that last for years and this one is no exception.