Top 10 Surf Fishing Rods

These are the Top 10 Surf Fishing Rods for fishing along the Gulf Coast! When you first dive into the sport of surf fishing, it's important to buy the best surf fishing rods for your fishing needs. In this video we talk about the following surf fishing rod categories: budget friendly, build quality, and custom built rods.
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○ Surf Fishing Tackle you Need! - • The Surf Fishing Tackl...
0:00 - Intro
0:14 - Diawa FT (bit.ly/3mOrUjV)
1:02 - Ugly Stik Bigwater (bit.ly/3Hqah1y)
1:51 - Penn Squadron III (amzn.to/3pUq6I9)
2:42 - H20 Express (bit.ly/3gVLSXS)
3:18 - Star Aerial (bit.ly/3ebg4fz)
4:01 - Ninja Tackle Dagger (ninjatackleva.com/)
4:41 - Florida Surf Angler "Over the Bar" (bit.ly/3aTSlyo)
5:23 - Star Paraflex (bit.ly/2PHlMwl)
6:27 - Temple Fork Outfitters (bit.ly/3tdMvOR)
7:46 - Frisky Fins (bit.ly/2Ri94EK)
► SURF FISHING REELS - amzn.to/3zY1Do4
► SURF FISHING RODS - amzn.to/3zTdu6Z
► SURF FISHING TACKLE - amzn.to/2T7UkcL
► SURF FISHING TOOLS & GEAR - amzn.to/3vRklKQ
► CAMERA GEAR: - amzn.to/2Sr7QrF
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[@SaltSquatch]

Top 5 Surf Fishing Reels - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGOsdYt-or2KjKM

[@irikagyselnikova1553]

*I like the way it feels **enjoyable.fishing** recommend and cast, time will tell I only used it once but it seems to work well....*

[@davecourington]

Great video Phil! Thanks for the breakdown on each rod. This kind of video makes it easy to pick out something decent in any price range.

[@SaltSquatch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pumpmaximum13]

Gonna put a Penn Pursuit IV on one of those 10’ Daiwas tomorrow and try it out this weekend down at Orange Beach!

[@mullisoutdoors]

Very informative Phil! Excellent Video!!

[@SaltSquatch]

Thanks!

[@mattpoole1610]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@FishGum]

Excellent vid Phil!

[@SaltSquatch]

Thanks, Tony!

[@850WAY_OUTDOORS]

GREAT VIDEO BUDDY I LOVE IT ❤️❤️

[@SaltSquatch]

Thanks, Jarvis!

[@jeremiahkelly9997]

Excellent video!

[@SaltSquatch]

Thank you!

[@williamcox8175]

Great timing on this video. I am looking into replacing a rod.

[@SaltSquatch]

Perfect timing!

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Very good video thanks 🐟

[@SaltSquatch]

You’re welcome!

[@briandemo7186]

Nice job Phil!

[@SaltSquatch]

Thanks, Brian!

[@sureshsalaam4595]

I have an 11 foot daiwa ft rod and I recently caught a 4 foot shark and a stingray with it. I was using 50 lb line but once you set the drag right u can avoid breaking the rod. Strong rod for 25 bucks

[@skyler1359]

Stupidly strong rods took 16 oz and a full swing with the bail slamming on me to break one.

[@Jamesjaws]

What are the specs

[@sureshsalaam4595]

@@Jamesjaws lure: 1-5 oz line lb:10-25

[@feralgoat3771]

​@@skyler1359 wat u mean

[@WoahhJacksonn]

Surf fishing or what? Also what kind of bait did you use?

[@HuntStewTV]

The Ocean Master is a great budget option as well

[@fortheloveofmoney1752]

I agree. I have the 12’ ocean master rod, solid and durable.

[@user-uv6of3ul3b]

This is what I have been after. It is good looking and durable.

[@bobk.1428]

I use the Ugly Stik Big Water 10’ for surf fishing. Yea, it may be a little heavy for pomp’s but I’m prepared for almost anything

[@SaltSquatch]

You’re not wrong! It has some serious backbone

[@devonsmith4764]

I caught a 7 foot bull shark on my ugly stik. They put in the work.

[@jams1533]

⁠@@devonsmith4764fuck yeah Devon

[@stevedupree525]

How does the TFO 10’6” MH compare to the Bummy Stick? I’m looking for an all around rod to fish baits and lures.

[@brentnanita3939]

For the type of fishing I do, a 50lb class 10ft FTU conventional casting rod is my favorite.

[@SaltSquatch]

What are you fishing for?

[@brentnanita3939]

@@SaltSquatch I bottom fish for sharks, jacks, bullreds, and stingrays. I fish alot of structure, like jetty, and piers. I need to be able to drag them away from pilings and rocks

[@SaltSquatch]

Makes sense! That’s some action packed fishing!

[@pissywilly]

Damn. I'm getting a temple fork 12' next comission check. Just the second rod I need for launching big shark baits and sputniks. Been slaying black tips all week on my modified 13' beachcaster and daiwa BG 6500. This is definitely a worthy second rod. Great vid dude 👌 PS It's a shame they don't have reflective tips. I'll have to add my own

[@SaltSquatch]

Thank you! I think you’re really gonna like the TFO. Very well built rod for the surf

[@pissywilly]

@@SaltSquatch hey the 12' is rung for conventional? I was hoping for spinning guides

[@SaltSquatch]

I need to fix that. It should be spinning

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Really like the name cool

[@itllkeal]

I'll stick with my Shimano 400s on a 7'³" Shimano rod and if I cant get out far enough I may use my bass pro 10ft surf powerplus with my penn liveliner or just my kingcat reel but I doubt it. I do look forward to trying out the 10ft rod on some paddlefish though but I don't like the weight of a big pole whenever I can use a light one that handles bigger fish

[@jfisher3134]

Any insight on an Okuma Cedros11’ MH? And a decent reel to pair with? Love TFO have several fly rods by them. Service is great. Was thinking the aforementioned rod- okuma Cedros 6000 with 30lb pp for big drum, small sharks- big chunks of bait. I can catch pomp’s on my steelhead rods.

[@SaltSquatch]

Never used that rod but seems like it will do the job. I like a Penn Spinfisher or Slammer

[@westlee1626]

What’s your choice on a cheap rod for tackle? I’m thinking about using a 9-10 ft rod for striper fishing. Need a rod for tackle and not cast and sit.

[@SaltSquatch]

I referred to my friend Ryan for this answer (Kastin Assassins) as I don’t personally use cast rods often. Cheapest options is probably st croix triumph or penn prevail

[@andersonreid6845]

What you think fiblink moonsniper rod

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Dose anyone know anything about marathon fortress spinning combo's thanks 🐟

[@wish2fish37]

When they rate line specs,is that mono rate it or line rating in general whether it is braid or mono.

[@SaltSquatch]

When it comes to surf rods, I don’t even pay attention to line rating. It’s best to know what lb test line you need for the fishing you are doing. 20-30lb seems to be accepted universally for surf fishing.

[@Brandon-uo1rv]

Compare that TFO and custom frisky fins rod please

[@topwaterpursuit]

bottom line,, less then $300 FOR TFO 12' AND $400 and up for the custom build FF. I went the TFO route and now have a 10'6 and a 12' model paired with Saragosa's.

[@LazyDaVang]

No Tsunami elite? Those are great rod.

[@Machster10]

Just because it's inexpensive does not mean it's cheap in quality. The FT is an excellent fiberglass rod and better than all the others listed.

[@forevernowjp7272]

nothing here really beats the assassin horizon zero championship edition 15ft rods, if you can get your hands on one i highly recommend

[@ShinkiZer0]

What can you say with the offshore angler breakwater and power stick by basspro? Fuji components for less than 100usd seem good unless their super stiff for their extra fast action.

[@SaltSquatch]

I have an Okuma Breakwater that isn't made anymore. Maybe that's the same blank? If so, it's a solid rod for the price.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Yeah if you can find one just came from bass pro shop thay had wear very low on rods and reels

[@ShinkiZer0]

@@jeffreybabino8161 i managed to get one, very well built but very stiff to my liking. So i sold it.

[@jonhammes6209]

I'm surprised Breakaway isn't mentioned?

[@owencorey9720]

Anybody fish the Daiwa FT 9 foot? I just got the rod for the purpose of a travel rod and was wondering how it handled.

[@thesurfmonger4125]

Bad mfer for a 20 dollar rod and can take a beatin

[@jonathanfilms408]

I personally use them ugly stiks big waters and tigers i havent broke any yet best bang for your buck in my opinion strong ass back bone and can take a beating for years and years i still use the older versions of the big waters too the all black and yellow striped one might be heavy but you get used to it and if u do hook a monster your pretty much set

[@VoltzyBoi]

I’m new to all this, but it could also work for other smaller fish, right? Or would the fish sense the trap and go away?

[@jonathanfilms408]

@@VoltzyBoi works for smaller fish aswell

[@VoltzyBoi]

@@jonathanfilms408 Awesome! Thank you! Rather surprised for the quick response, lol. It's much appreciated though!

[@jonathanfilms408]

@@VoltzyBoi all good

[@chrishorton2129]

How would you set up a BerryPro 15' surf spinning rod?

[@SaltSquatch]

Never fished anything that tall

[@elijahbl5745]

Which one would you recommend for under 150 for up to 7 ft sharks

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Ugly stick big water 12ft heavy

[@sirwilliam7988]

Hands down for the money, the TFO is a hard rod to beat. I picked it up at the store and walked to the counter with it twice, I just couldn’t pull the trigger on it. Lol. But it is everything you here and then some.

[@SaltSquatch]

I have two 12’ TFO rods and love them!

[@sirwilliam7988]

@@SaltSquatch what reels are you using with those rods? I'm looking at an Avet. Possibly the Raptor.

[@SaltSquatch]

I use spinning reels for surf fishing. I have a Penn Spinfisher and a Tsunami Salt X paired with those rods.

[@sirwilliam7988]

@@SaltSquatch that Tsunami is a pretty pricey reel. Why didn't you just stick with Penn? I mean, i'm just curious.

[@SaltSquatch]

I wanted to try out a fully sealed reel. So far I’m impressed

[@darkrxse4432]

Hey can you tell if the daiwa coastal sp 11ft heavy rod good?

[@SaltSquatch]

Never used it. If it’s affordable might be worth a shot or see if someone reviewed it

[@eat2144]

Hey Phill! Im still a bit confused on what to get. I dont know a option that might work for both smaller fish like pompano and whiting but also would work for drum and smaller sharks. I just got into surf fishing so dont know much about it.

[@SaltSquatch]

5000 size reel and medium heavy 10’ rod should work. It’s just difficult targeting everything with 1 rod

[@eat2144]

@@SaltSquatch Understandable,thanks!

[@robertstrickland8175]

Will throw some out there from my personal experience: Carolina cast pro: long distance caster and former world runner up in an event name I can’t quite remember, Tommy Farmer, has his own rods out now. Available in several lengths from light 10 ft to heavy 13 ft heavers. Owned one of his blanks for a while and has been great for me Daiwa tournament ballistic: a higher end factory rod that I have seen with a lot of usage at the outer banks (if you like the color green, there is an exclusive model only sold at RDT that really looks nice). And for the heck of it, I’ll throw century rods out there. I don’t own one myself, but the people crazy enough to drop $1000 on a surf rod alone really seem to say good things about them😬😬😬

[@SaltSquatch]

Thanks for the input!! Always like to hear people’s personal experiences and preferences.

[@Mediocrates9]

Yea, was gonna mention the Carolina Cast Pro. The rods are nice and have a pretty large range in sizes. Real comfortable too

[@stephenrothman6058]

These are all 1 or 2 piece rods. Does anybody make a good 4 or 5 piece surf rod intended for travel use?

[@fortheloveofmoney1752]

I’m not liking that temple fishing outfitters. Why do they have a replacement parts section? Is it because they’re parts are always breaking, and do they stand behind their product? It’s a fairly new company, so it’s still in the infancy stage. I would rather purchase a rod from an established company!

[@TheHuntingSpot]

do you have a video on reels?

[@SaltSquatch]

Yes, it’s posted on the channel

[@shimasfaris2917]

Why do you guys in the us use small spinning type rods for surf fishing

[@1theredrooster]

Dissapointed that Academy doesnt ship to california, a place with a massive coastline.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

How good is H2O products thanks

[@SaltSquatch]

Never had any issues

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Ok thanks I heard of the name not sure about products thanks

[@mousepudding]

When they give the line rating, they're talking mono or fluoro, correct? Sometimes I see 2 ratings on a rod, 1 for braid and 1 for everything else. What's your take on this, sir?

[@SaltSquatch]

I shared the braid line ratings in this video

[@stevedupree525]

I have fished exclusively with St Croix Mojos. How does the TFO compare?

[@SaltSquatch]

I have never used a St Croix Mojo, but the TFO is so light and the 12’ is a catapult

[@stevedupree525]

@@SaltSquatch I’m looking for another quality bait rod. The St Croix rods are hard to find. So I’m interested in trying something new.

[@SaltSquatch]

I think they’re a great option. I’m definitely impressed!

[@stevedupree525]

@@SaltSquatch I have one of their fly rods and I love it.

[@stevedupree525]

@@SaltSquatch what is the sweet spot as far a lure weight for the 12 footer? I throw mostly 3-5 ozs.

[@Master-Baiter]

I got the tfo for my first surf rod, I got it 60% off because I work at a fishing store. Lmao 🤣

[@SaltSquatch]

Hey, that’s the way to do it!!

[@matthewlutchman2949]

Lucky you

[@dumptodreamhome2630]

Ugly stick has some nice cheap priced rods, their Surf rod is my least favorite, the Tsunami airwave elite 11ft by far my favorite, i have a Shimano 10 ft from West marine for $100 is Light and does about everything. Anyone near Ft. Pierce?

[@brandonhernandez9260]

That TFO 12’ rod is $300 is that right?? I’m looking for a good 12’ or 13’ 😭

[@SaltSquatch]

Yes, it is $300. A quality surf rod is actually more important than the reel and it’s difficult to find a quality 12’ or 13’ rod that’s cheap. Usually the cheaper rods are meat sticks and don’t offer great bite detection

[@brandonhernandez9260]

@@SaltSquatch it’s either this TFO 12’ or the Phenix 13’ which is like $500 with taxes. Penn has a few 12’ but I’m sure the quality is no where near close to this.

[@SaltSquatch]

The penn rods are more like meat sticks, but would do the job for a couple years.

[@brandonhernandez9260]

@@SaltSquatch I went ahead and ordered the TFO 12’ yesterday man!! I saw you also have experience with the Tsunami SaltX. Still think it’s a solid reel? It would go on the TFO rod but I think I’d go with the 6000 with 50LB braid just because that’s what I had on my Penn Fierce 3 6000 which is no good now.

[@SaltSquatch]

@@brandonhernandez9260 the SaltX is my favorite reel. Not sure where you’re fishing, but the 4000 holds a ton of 20 lb braid

[@lynoj777]

I thought TFO are American made until I received my TFO tactical surf. 🤦‍♂️

[@captrwest1]

Why is no one using conventional reel? I'm throwing 4 or 5 oz leads far further than any 12' spinning rod. The 12' penns cost less than 150 and out cast any of my many 12' spinning rigs. Just built a 13'8" that throws 2 hook rigs with 5oz almost a true 150 yes even on windy days. Im not fishing the next few weeks because of work. Youre welcome to try them out, I have several rigs at the house in GS

[@SaltSquatch]

Not many people using conventional reels here along the gulf coast. We usually don’t have to cast that far to get fish.

[@captrwest1]

I understand. Just saying that the vast majority of my pomps come off the conventional rods. Here, east coast and South Padre Island

[@captrwest1]

Youre welcome to borrow a couple and give them a try. Might change you mind.

[@captrwest1]

You don't always have to throw them as far as you can but its nice to have it if you need it

[@SaltSquatch]

I’m sure I would enjoy the conventional setups! Just started with spinning and have been happy with results. I’m sure I will add a conventional to my lineup with time

[@keumd9933]

Tfo dont ship to france ?

[@moisesvillalobos6506]

Dumd question but are all spinning and conventional rod

[@SaltSquatch]

These 10 are all spinning rods

[@Tyler-kw9ce]

@@SaltSquatch even the over he bar? I know he surf 13xd's I picked up from Mark work with both.

[@SaltSquatch]

Yeah the OTB rods are offered in spinning and conventional

[@PompdUpFishin]

The FT is $20 at academy

[@SaltSquatch]

Yes, you can find it cheaper than $25

[@PompdUpFishin]

@@SaltSquatch seriously hard to beat for the money. Looks stupid good paired with a Daiwa BG.

[@Fisherman369]

why usa fishermen using shore jig rods in surfcasting 🤣🤣🤣 Surfcasting rods we used 425 cms (14 feets) 😂

[@cjsoutdoors4412]

Wow... what country are you fishing from?

[@bobdublin825]

Must be,,,, FIN-land. . Boom boom

[@AymanFishingAngler]

Same question I use a 16ft heavy surf fishing rods

[@hookemrods8101]

Because we like catching 9-12 ft shark from shore not 24-40" bait 😂

[@achrafmazouz3925]

we too I believe you are from the African Ocean Morocco or Mauritania right

[@Machster10]

The best surf rods are not surf rods, they are 12' salmon and steelhead rods. Tica makes a 12' that is better than any surf rod for throwing lures in the 1-3 ounce range. Stay away from all these telephone poles listed.