We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Surf Fishing Reels 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
PENN Battle IV Size 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel, Full Metal Body and Sideplate, CNC Gear Technology, Hydro Armor Seals Critical Area from Water Intrusion, HT-100 Drag System
The PENN Battle IV Size 2500 is a strong choice for surf fishing, thanks to its durable full metal body and sideplate that can handle the stress of big saltwater fish. Its gear ratio of 6.2:1 offers a decent recovery speed, pulling in about 33 inches of line per crank, which helps when reeling in fast or heavy catches. The HT-100 drag system with a max drag of 12 pounds provides smooth and reliable resistance, allowing you to fight fish without wearing out the drag washers quickly. This reel’s line capacity supports both monofilament and braided lines well, with enough room to hold plenty of line for long casts or battling strong fish.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,306
Reel Size
Drag System
Material and Construction
Most important from
3148 reviews
#2
SHIMANO SARAGOSA SW A 14000XG Fishing Reel
The Shimano Saragosa SW A 14000XG is a strong choice for surf fishing due to its robust design and solid features. It has a 14000 size, which means it offers a good balance of line capacity and power to handle larger fish commonly targeted in surf environments. Its 6.2:1 gear ratio provides a faster retrieve speed, helping you reel in fish efficiently. The reel’s drag system can handle up to 33 pounds, giving you reliable control when fighting strong fish.
Rating
10.0
Reel Size
Drag System
Line Capacity
Most important from
351 reviews
#3
Daiwa BG6500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
The Daiwa BG6500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel is designed with surf fishing in mind. Its black anodized machined aluminum housing and oversized Digigear system ensure durability and smooth operation, even in harsh saltwater conditions. The reel's solid screw-in handle provides a sturdy grip, and the air rotor contributes to its lightweight design, making it easier to handle during long fishing sessions. With a line capacity of 25-30 lb. test for mono and 65-80 lb. test for braided line, it offers ample room for heavy-duty fishing lines, which is essential for surf fishing.
Rating
8.2
Gear Ratio
Drag System
Material and Construction
Most important from
3706 reviews
Top 10 Best Surf Fishing Reels 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
PENN Battle IV Size 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel, Full Metal Body and Sideplate, CNC Gear Technology, Hydro Armor Seals Critical Area from Water Intrusion, HT-100 Drag System
PENN Battle IV Size 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel, Full Metal Body and Sideplate, CNC Gear Technology, Hydro Armor Seals Critical Area from Water Intrusion, HT-100 Drag System
Reel Size: 2500
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Drag System: HT-100
Line Capacity: Supports mono and braided lines
Material and Construction: Full metal body, sideplate, aluminum handle
Ball Bearings: 6 stainless steel
Chosen by 1306 this week
SHIMANO SARAGOSA SW A 14000XG Fishing Reel
SHIMANO SARAGOSA SW A 14000XG Fishing Reel
Reel Size: 14000
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Drag System: 33 Pounds
Material and Construction: Blend
Daiwa BG6500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
Daiwa BG6500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
Reel Size: 6500
Drag System: 9.98 Kilograms
Line Capacity: 25-30 lb. mono, 65-80 lb. braided
Material and Construction: Aluminum, Synthetic
PENN 7' Spinfisher VII Spinning Fishing Rod & 8500 Reel Combo, 20-40lb Line Rating, Heavy Power, IPX5 Sealing, CNC Gear Technology with Brass Main Gear
PENN 7' Spinfisher VII Spinning Fishing Rod & 8500 Reel Combo, 20-40lb Line Rating, Heavy Power, IPX5 Sealing, CNC Gear Technology with Brass Main Gear
Reel Size: 8500
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1
Drag System: HT-100 front drag, max 40 lbs
Line Capacity: 20-40lb test lines
Material and Construction: Aluminum reel, Fiberglass rod
Ball Bearings: Six sealed stainless steel bearings
PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 25lb | 11.3kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability, 5000, Black Gold
PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 25lb | 11.3kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability, 5000, Black Gold
Reel Size: 5000
Gear Ratio: 5.6
Drag System: HT-100 carbon fiber, max 25 lbs
Line Capacity: 225/12, 200/15, 135/20
Material and Construction: Aluminum body and sideplates
Ball Bearings: 6 stainless steel bearings
Related Products
PENN Pursuit IV Nearshore/Offshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 8000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black/Silver
PENN Pursuit IV Nearshore/Offshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 8000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black/Silver
Reel Size: 8000
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1
Drag System: HT-100 front drag, carbon washers, 25lb
Line Capacity: 340/20 310/25 230/30
Material and Construction: Graphite body, anodized aluminum spool
Ball Bearings: 5 sealed stainless steel bearings
SHIMANO Baitrunner 8000D; Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reel
SHIMANO Baitrunner 8000D; Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reel
Reel Size: Substantial
Gear Ratio: 4.8:1
Drag System: Secondary drag system
Line Capacity: Robust
Material and Construction: Blend material, aluminum handle
Ball Bearings: 3+3
Shimano C2500S Stradic Spinning Reel 23
Shimano C2500S Stradic Spinning Reel 23
Reel Size: C2500
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Drag System: 6.6 Pounds
Line Capacity: Nylon 5-110,6-95,8-70; Fluoro 4-130,5-100,6-80; PE 6-200,0.8-150,1-120
Material and Construction: Aluminum body; resin rotor; duralumin gear
Ball Bearings: 6 ball + 1 roller bearing
Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia Surf 45 SCW QD, 20TNBASIASURF45SCW-QD, Surfcasting Fishing Reel
Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia Surf 45 SCW QD, 20TNBASIASURF45SCW-QD, Surfcasting Fishing Reel
Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
Drag System: 22 lbs
Line Capacity: 14/330
Material and Construction: Aluminum
Ball Bearings: 7
#10
PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Surf Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 20lb | 9.0kg, Made with an All-Metal Reel Body and Spool Design,Black/Gold
PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Surf Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 20lb | 9.0kg, Made with an All-Metal Reel Body and Spool Design,Black/Gold
Reel Size: 4500
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Drag System: HT-100 front drag
Line Capacity: ample for mono and braided lines
Material and Construction: all-metal, IPX5 sealed aluminum spool
Ball Bearings: 6 stainless steel, 1 anti-reverse
How do we rank products for you?
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Buying Guide for the Best Surf Fishing Reels
Choosing the right surf fishing reel is crucial for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Surf fishing reels are designed to handle the unique challenges of fishing from the shore, such as casting long distances and dealing with saltwater conditions. When selecting a surf fishing reel, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and enhance your fishing adventures.Reel SizeReel size refers to the physical size of the reel and its line capacity. This is important because it determines how much line you can spool and the size of the fish you can target. Reel sizes are typically categorized by numbers, with smaller numbers indicating smaller reels. For light surf fishing targeting smaller species, a reel size between 3000-5000 is suitable. For medium to large species, a reel size between 6000-8000 is ideal. If you're targeting very large fish, consider a reel size of 9000 or above. Choose a reel size based on the type of fish you plan to catch and the conditions you'll be fishing in.
Gear RatioThe gear ratio of a reel indicates how many times the spool rotates with one turn of the handle. This is important because it affects the speed and power of your retrieve. A higher gear ratio (e.g., 6:1) means faster line retrieval, which is useful for quickly reeling in fish or lures. A lower gear ratio (e.g., 4:1) provides more torque, making it easier to reel in larger, stronger fish. For surf fishing, a moderate gear ratio around 5:1 is a good balance for most situations. Consider your fishing style and the species you're targeting when choosing the gear ratio.
Drag SystemThe drag system controls the resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. This is crucial for preventing line breakage and tiring out the fish. A smooth and reliable drag system allows you to adjust the resistance to match the strength of the fish. Drag systems are measured in pounds, indicating the maximum resistance they can provide. For surf fishing, a drag system with a maximum drag of 15-25 pounds is generally sufficient for most species. If you're targeting larger fish, look for a reel with a higher maximum drag. Choose a drag system that matches the size and strength of the fish you expect to catch.
Line CapacityLine capacity refers to the amount of fishing line that the reel can hold. This is important because it determines how much line you have available for casting and fighting fish. Line capacity is usually indicated in yards for different line strengths (e.g., 200 yards of 20-pound line). For surf fishing, having a higher line capacity is beneficial for making long casts and handling strong runs from fish. Choose a reel with a line capacity that matches the type of line you plan to use and the distance you need to cast. Consider the species you're targeting and the conditions you'll be fishing in when selecting line capacity.
Material and ConstructionThe material and construction of a reel affect its durability and resistance to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments. This is important because surf fishing reels are exposed to harsh conditions, including saltwater, sand, and rough handling. Reels made from high-quality materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and corrosion-resistant composites are more durable and long-lasting. Look for reels with sealed components to prevent saltwater intrusion. Choose a reel with robust construction and materials that can withstand the rigors of surf fishing and provide reliable performance over time.
Ball BearingsBall bearings in a reel contribute to its smoothness and overall performance. This is important because a smoother reel makes casting and retrieving more efficient and enjoyable. The number of ball bearings can vary, with more bearings generally indicating a smoother operation. However, the quality of the bearings is also crucial. For surf fishing, a reel with 4-6 high-quality ball bearings is usually sufficient. Look for reels with sealed or shielded bearings to protect against saltwater and sand. Choose a reel with a good balance of ball bearings and quality to ensure smooth and reliable performance.