5 Best Surf Fishing Reels in 2022

Best Surf Fishing Reel Review

Fishing from the shoreline or wadding into the surf is an enjoyable experience, especially when you have the right gear and fish at the right time. You may ask, what equipment do you need for surf fishing? Or what are the necessary precautions to take when surf fishing?

This article discusses what you need to know about surf fishing reels and the best products on the market. Kindly read on for more information.

Surf Fishing Equipment

• Surf Fishing Reels: Surf fishing exposes your reels to harsh saltwater that can easily damage the reel. The best surf fishing reels should not only be of high quality; they should also be able to withstand the harshness of saltwater. The two common surf fishing reels are spinning and conventional reels. Spinning reels are commonly used in surf fishing because they can cast long distances. Conventional reels are excellent for casting distance, especially when aiming for big fishes like leopard sharks. However, conventional reels require a lot of practice. When using conventional reels, you will have to lay down the line using your finger. Spinning reels can be small, medium, or large. Small spinning reels have sizes between 1000 and 3500, and they require short to medium-length poles. Also, they need braids between 4 and 20 pounds. Furthermore, small spinning reels are ideal for fishing for long periods. Medium spinning reels have sizes between 4000 and 5500, and they require braids between 8 and 25 pounds. These reels are ideal for catching larger fishes, although they need more line than the small spinning reel. Furthermore, it is best to use fishing rods larger than 8 feet long with a medium spinning reel. Large spinning reels have sizes between 6000 and 8500. The reels are massive, and they will most likely require large poles when casting. Long spinning reels can catch big fishes and even sharks.
• Surf Fishing Rods: rods are essential in fishing because they hold the bait. If you’re looking to heave your bait far into the ocean, you’ll need to use surf fishing rods between 10 and 15 feet in length. Although especially for beginners, using long rods may be pretty unpleasant the first few times, once you get accustomed to the rod, casting will be more effortless for you.
• Surf Fishing Lines: lines are usually long and thin strings, suitable for angling. When choosing fishing lines, you should note the cost per yard, abrasion resistance, stretch, and the amount of line that can fit your spool.
• Surf Fishing Tackle: there are several types of tackles, and their usage depends on where you are fishing and the fishing conditions. Common types of fishing tackle include sinkers, hooks, soft bait lures, and hard bait lures.
• Other fishing accessories include sand spikes, buckets, fishing pliers, fishing backpacks, measuring tape, and sunglasses.

Types of Surf Fishing Reels

Surf fishing reels are necessary for casting. Usually, the reels have a tall spool that releases and retrievers the fishing line. The three types of surf fishing reels include;

1. Spincast reels: these reels are the easiest to control, making them suitable for beginners. The reel has a closed-cone design that prevents fishing lines from tangling. Also, there is a fool-proof button control that allows you to operate the reel. All you need do is press the button, throw your cast, and release the button to let the line out. Afterward, press the button again once the reel releases your desired amount of line. The spincast reel is affordable and easy to operate. However, it has limited accuracy and casting range, and it is not so durable.
2. Spinning reels: these reels are the most popular. They are also efficient and durable. Spinning reels give you a balanced feel, and they sit under the fishing rod during use. Furthermore, the reels have an open-faced design and a metal bail that prevents the line from unspooling. When using a spinning reel, use your finger to hold the line against the rod, then release the bait. You can either cast the line out or drop it down. Spinning reels provide control, and they are ideal for anglers of all skill levels. Also, they are suitable for casting accuracy and distance.
3. Baitcast reels: these types of reels sit on top of fishing rods, and you need to guide them with your thumb to prevent unspooling. Also, the spool rotates while releasing the line to avoid twisting and also to increase casting distance. However, the baitcast reel requires more time to master than other types of reels.

How to Cast a Surf Fishing Reel

The goal of surfcasting is to land your bait in or past the surf. The general overhead cast is the best method to achieve distance when casting your fishing reel. It would be best if you had an accurate cast to land your bait in the surf. Although it requires time and experience, always keep your eyes on the spot where you want the bait to land before launching your cast.

The following steps are essential in casting your reel;

• Open your bait
• Place your finger on the fishing line against the rod
• Use your two hands when holding the rod. Your dominant hand will handle most of the weight while your secondary hand will provide support.
• While bending your arms, bring the rod’s tip slightly over your shoulder and behind you
• When launching the bait or jig forward, flick the pole forward quickly and release your finger off the line

You can evaluate your distance by throwing a few casts. Also, adjust your reel’s speed and power by increasing or decreasing the distance as necessary.

Precautions to Take When Surf Fishing

As much as surf fishing is an enjoyable experience, there are certain precautions you need to carry out to ensure your safety at all times. These precautions include;

• knowing the weather conditions before fishing. You should stay abreast of predicted local weather conditions beg=fore fishing. Also, when you get to your fishing location, it is best to observe the conditions because they may be different from the predicted.
• Wear appropriate clothing to suit the weather condition. For warm weather, it is advisable to use clothing that protects you from harmful sun rays. You can wear a hat and use SPF sunscreen. Furthermore, clothes with long sleeves and light colors are ideal because lighter color shades reflect sunlight. You can also use polarized sunglasses to reduce glares that reflect from the water’s surface. For cold weather, it is advisable to use clothing that maintains your body heat. You should wear long, warm clothes that can cover your body as much as possible. Also, if it is likely to rain, waterproof gear comes in handy.
• another precaution to take when surf fishing is to inform one or two persons about where you will be fishing. Also, tell them about when you’ll be returning.
• Knowing how to swim is essential. As an angler, swimming can be for recreational or emergency purposes. If you are poor at swimming, you should have an experienced swimmer with you. Also, always wear a floatation device.

How to Care for Your Surf Fishing Reel

You can increase your reel’s longevity by caring for it properly. It is advisable to clean your reel after every fishing trip; a gentle rinse is enough. Furthermore, you can remove the spool and the reel’s handle occasionally to oil the moving parts.

Ensure you avoid opening reel casings because they contain small washers, cogs, and springs that may affect the reel’s operation if you lose them.

Surf fishing reels are essential gear for fishing. There are several surf fishing reels on the market, and it choosing one that suits your preferences can be pretty tricky.

This section discusses the best surf fishing reels in no particular order; the review includes their important information and specs. Kindly read along for more information.