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You’re missing out on a lot of fun if you haven’t been surf fishing. Whether you are surf fishing at a beach or on any shoreline, the tactics for this popular method hardly evolve. All you require is a tall spool so that you can throw casts up to longer distances than you normally would.
Surf fishing is best undertaken with longer fishing rods. This extra length proves to be advantageous while making long casts. Anglers also prefer to use rigs with lead weights attached or sharper rigs in case of large fish like sharks. In such a scenario, it is essential to have reels meant for this specific purpose. All surf fishing reels ought to be resistant to salt water so that they can endure the tough eroding forces for many years.
We have compiled a list of the best surf fishing reels whether you are using a fish finder rig or a shark rig.
The Best Surf Fishing Reels for the Year 2022
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
Penn Battle II is the best choice when it comes to perfection. This reel is totally dependable and reliable. It seems almost like a promise that you can catch the burliest of fish with the help of this reel. It effectively serves the function for which it is built and doesn’t even drain your pocket more than necessary.
According to varying line capacities and drag powers, this reel comes in eight different versions. This differentiation relies on the types of fish you are aiming at. The requirements of the reel for different fish will be different.
This is the right reel if you are looking for a powerful drag system. The Penn Battle Fishing reel has an HT 100 carbon fiber drag system that is adequately built to battle the toughest fish. The primary advantage of this special system is in maintaining the cool while delivering high power.
The construction of this reel is absolutely spectacular. The frame for this reel is made entirely of aluminum. The whole equipment is thus light in weight. Lesser weight allows more accuracy in casting. More energy can be spent in actually battling the fish rather than holding a heavy reel.
The reel has an adequate shock protection mechanism. There is a metallic side plate that offers protection from shock and also enhances the reel’s durability.
The gear ratio of 6.2:1 is perfect for attaining large speeds in reeling in the toughest and the fastest fish of the ocean.
There are a total of six shielded ball bearings in the reel. The shielding is especially important for fishing in saltwater where the equipment is susceptible to fast corrosion. Saltwater can corrode anything and everything unless it has been adequately shielded.
The spool system for this reel comes without any backing and the fishing line is braided. Many anglers prefer to use both the monofilament and the braided line for more effectiveness.
Pros
- This reel is well renowned for its supreme performance in surf fishing
- The reel is durable and easily remains functional for many years
- The design is perfect in offering protection to important components against the corrosive nature of seawater.
- The gear ratio is perfect for attaining high retrieval speeds while catching fast and powerful fish
- The drag system is very powerful and highly efficient
- The special cooling mechanism in this reel’s drag system makes it able to work non-stop for long durations
- This reel well deserves the price it is tagged in
Cons
- Many users find this reel more expensive than other comparable options
Shimano Ultegra Surfcasting Reel
This reel comes in the high-end varieties of surfcasting reels and for obvious reasons. It has incomparable features that experienced fishermen would longingly desire. Although this reel is quite expensive, it is essentially built for heavy catches and the most powerful fish. This reel is designed to make every big catch you put it to.
One special feature of this excellent reel is the cross carbon drag system that provides incomparable smoothness in fighting the biggest monsters. It is almost impossible for even the biggest fish to escape the power of this very efficient drag system.
The gear system for this reel is equally excellent. Shimano has a special X-ship technology that has been applied in the gears for this model. This advanced mechanism enhances the durability of the gears and adds to the smoothness of the reel function. The friction between the moving parts of the gear is considerably reduced to enhance the reel’s performance in casting. This is the fundamental reason why this reel is capable of throwing longer casts that cannot be dreamed of with other reels.
Shimano’s popular Hagane gearing system is also incorporated in this reel. The Hagane system provides very powerful performance in the surf fishing scenario. Due to appropriate protection from corrosive elements, Hagane gears are very long-lasting.
There are varying specifications for the two different varieties of Shimano Ultegra Surf Casting reel. Fishermen essentially use the 14000 variety for surf fishing because of its greater capability in handling tough ocean species.
Pros
- This reel is ideal for professional and experienced surf fishermen who want the best reel in their field
- There are many excellent features in this reel that other reels cannot even boast of
- The gear system is super powerful and is supremely protected from corrosion with the best possible mechanism
- The drag is very powerful and there is a special mechanism to enhance its durability
- This is the best performing reel in the surf fishing world
- It is almost a promise that the burliest fish you hook cannot escape this reel
Cons
- There is no flaw in this reel
- The price is high but that is because excellency deserves a high price
KastKing Sharky III Surf Fishing Reel
It is very difficult to find a good surf fishing reel for a lesser price. This is mainly because one cannot use just any material for equipment meant for saltwater use. Saltwater is so corrosive that the strongest of materials can easily rust down. In offering adequate protection to the essential parts of the reels, the price significantly elevates.
KastKing Sharky is amongst the few reels that offer every essential feature for surf fishing while not poking a hole in your pocket. As long as you are careful enough, this very economical reel will help you sustain your hobby of surf fishing for a long time.
The material of construction for this blessing of a reel is lightweight aluminum. This metal has been effectively balanced in order to render the smoothest function to this reel. Lightweightedness in fishing reels is more important than you think. One cannot be holding a heavy reel for a long duration while catching hard fighting burly fish. Lightweight reels somewhat reduce your effort and enhance your comfort.
The drag system for this reel is very powerful and offers a capacity of 39.5 lbs which is appropriate for fighting the toughest seawater fish. The drag system has been incorporated with a hard steel shaft whose mesh gear drive can withstand the most intense fishing battles. This reel will sustain the toughest charges as long as it is maintained after use.
There are a total of ten well-protected ball bearings that ensure smooth action in this reel. The special method of protection is known as the KastKing KISS water protection sealing. This method is very effective in protecting the bearings from exposure and subsequent damage.
This surf fishing reel comes in five different varieties. Out of all, the 4000 and 5000 virtues are employed for surf fishing. Both of these are perfect for landing the largest fish you target.
Pros
- The best thing about this reel is its price: $60
- This reel is perfect for beginners who want to get the taste of surf fishing without spending too much at once
- All the essential parts in this reel are adequately protected to ensure the best performance in the corrosive saltwater
- The sufficient number of ball bearings render adequate smoothness to this reel’s function
- Like typical surf fishing reels, this reel is also capable of throwing casts up to long distances
- The drag system is very powerful and can land the burliest of fish with ease
- The gear ratio for this reel is appropriate for landing big fish
Cons
- Some users complain that this reel only has the essential features and nothing extra for a fisherman’s delight
- Users have reported that this reel is not as durable as surf fishing reels are meant to be
Look for These Features Before Selecting the Best Surf Fishing Reel
Make sure that your surf fishing reel has sealed bearings and there is an easily accessible anti-reverse switch. The gear ratio and the speed of retrieval of your fishing reel should be appropriate for catching big monsters in the sea. The drag system for your fish should be powerful enough to land every burly monster that becomes your target.
Look for Sealed Bearings in Surf Fishing Reels
You are aware that saltwater is highly corrosive. Normal equipment cannot sustain such corrosion and shorten their lifespan. Such a special environment requires special equipment. Make sure that your surf fishing reel is prepared for the sea by ensuring that it has a sealed bearing system.
In the absence of a proper sealant, the bearings will develop rust very fast and may even stop working. It is essential for such heavy equipment to work smoothly and that wouldn’t be possible in the absence of protection for bearings.
Ensure That There Is an Anti-Reverse Switch
An anti-reverse switch is very essential for throwing casts while surf fishing. You cannot set the hook properly in the absence of an anti-reverse switch. Be careful and ensure that your rod is set in a holder and that no slack develops in the line when you reach for the switch. Give preference to the surf reels in which this switch is more accessible.
Select Reels With Moderate to High Gear Ratio
The seawater is home to some of the fastest fish you’d ever come across. A low gear ratio would provide power that may not be enough to handle such fast fish. Reels with a moderate to high gear ratio will be ideal in this case. A high gear ratio will allow you to fish the fastest fish from however deep waters. Keep this in mind, the higher the gear ratio, the higher is the speed of retrieval.
Select the Most Powerful Drag System
A powerful drag system will work to effectively slow down the fish as it tries to escape. Surf fishing reels will naturally need more power in the drag system because they are set to battle larger fish species than others. It is recommended to start with drag pressure as much as 25 lbs for efficient surf fishing. Even big and powerful fish like sharks will succumb to the tiredness caused by an efficient drag system of a good surf fishing reel.
Conclusion
As you would have noticed, all the above reels are supremely capable of serving the purpose they are meant for. While the Penn Battle II spinning reel may easily be considered the best surf fishing reel of all times. Many users may not agree because of the factor of affordability. However, Penn Battle well deserves the price it is set at.
The same is true for the Shimano Ultegra Surfcasting reel. It is the best of the best reels and has fairly advanced features meant for use by experienced fishermen. No other reel compares with the excellence of Shimano Ultegra.
If cost is a prominent factor, you might want to go with the KastKing Sharky III Surf Fishing reel. This reel is capable of landing all the monster fish you want to aim at while offering all the essential features. One of the above is set to become your own best surf fishing reel.