Top 7 Best Surf Casting Rods of 2023 – Expert Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to surf fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference. A good surf casting rod is essential for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. However, with so many options available, finding the perfect rod can be a daunting task. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 10 best surf casting rods of 2023, based on expert reviews and customer feedback. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, our buyer’s guide will help you choose the right rod that meets your needs and preferences. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect surf casting rod for you.

Best Surf Fishing Rods

Detailed comparison table of best surf casting rods:

Feature	St. Croix Triumph Surf Casting Rod	Penn Squadron II Surf Casting Rod	Okuma Cedros CJ-65S Surf Casting Rod	Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod	Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod	Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Casting Rod	Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod
Length	10’6″	10’6″	10′	12′	8’6″	11’6″	12′
Power	Medium Heavy (MH)	Medium Heavy (MH)	Medium Heavy (MH)	Heavy (H)	Medium Heavy (MH)	Heavy (H)	Medium Heavy (MH)
Action	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate Fast (MF)	Moderate Fast (MF)	Moderate Fast (MF)	Moderate Fast (MF)
Pieces	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Material	Graphite	Graphite	Composite (Graphite/Fiberglass)	Fiberglass	Graphite	High-density, high-modulus graphite	High-density, high-modulus graphite
Guides	6	8	7 + Tip	5 + Tip	6 + Tip	9 + Tip	7 + Tip
Weight (oz)	9.5	12.8	13.7	17.7	8.8	14.1	13.9
Line Weight (lb)	15 – 40	15 – 40	20 – 40	20 – 40	12 – 30	20 – 65	20 – 40
Lure Weight (oz)	1 – 4	1 – 5	1/2 – 2	6 – 20	1/2 – 2	2 – 8	1 – 5
Reel Seat	Fuji® DPS	Fuji® DPS	ALPS aluminum	Daiwa Stainless Steel	Fuji® DPS	Fuji® TCS	Fuji® DPS
Handle Material	Premium cork	EVA	EVA	EVA	Cork	Cork	Cork
Warranty	5 years	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year	5 years	1 year

Detailed review of 7 best Surf Casting Reels

St. Croix Triumph Surf Casting Rod:

As an avid angler, I have personally used the St. Croix Triumph Surf Casting Rod, and it’s one of my favorite surf fishing rods. I appreciate the high-quality construction and durability of the rod, and it’s an excellent option for those who want a reliable rod without breaking the bank.

Customers on Amazon have also praised the St. Croix Triumph, with many considering it a highly recommended option. The Triumph series from St. Croix is known for its exceptional construction, sensitivity, and durability, making it a popular choice among fishing enthusiasts.

The high-modulus graphite blank of the St. Croix Triumph provides a lightweight and responsive feel, making it easy to cast and detect bites. Customers have also praised the rod’s durability, thanks to the Advanced Reinforcing Technology used in its construction. Additionally, the Fuji guides and DPS reel seat provide enhanced performance and are well-regarded by both customers and myself.

While some customers note that the St. Croix Triumph may not be suitable for heavy-duty fishing, it’s an excellent option for catching various fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, and redfish. I have found this rod to be perfect for these types of fishing scenarios, and the sensitivity has allowed me to detect even the slightest bites.

Here is a comparison table of the pros and cons of the St. Croix Triumph Surf Casting Rod based on personal experience and Amazon reviews:

Pros	Cons
High-quality construction	May not be suitable for heavy-duty fishing
Lightweight and responsive	Limited size options available
Advanced Reinforcing Technology for durability
Fuji guides and reel seat for enhanced performance
Affordable price point

In summary, the St. Croix Triumph Surf Casting Rod is a high-quality and affordable option that is well-regarded by both customers on Amazon and myself. The rod’s durability and sensitivity make it a great choice for catching a variety of fish species, while the affordable price point makes it an excellent value for the money. Here is the real life experience of this rod:

Penn Squadron II Surf Casting Rod: The Ultimate Heavy-Duty Rod:

As an avid surf angler, I have tried out many different surf casting rods, but the Penn Squadron II Surf Casting Rod is one that really stands out. Constructed with high-quality graphite composite blanks and featuring a high-quality reel seat and guides, this rod is built to handle big fish and heavy lures, making it the perfect option for targeting striped bass and bluefish in the surf.

Amazon reviewers rave about the Penn Squadron II, with many commenting on its exceptional sensitivity and reliable performance. The rod’s graphite composite construction provides a perfect balance of strength and sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest bites and reel in their catch with ease.

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty surf casting rod that can handle the toughest surf fishing conditions, then the Penn Squadron II Surf Casting Rod is definitely worth considering. With its excellent construction, sensitivity, and performance, this rod is the ultimate option for any serious surf angler.

Here’s a pros and cons table for the Penn Squadron II Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
Graphite composite blanks provide strength and sensitivity	May be too heavy for some anglers
High-quality reel seat and guides enhance performance	Not the most affordable option
Durable construction ensures long-lasting use	May not be ideal for beginners who are still developing their skills
Suitable for targeting big fish in the surf	Some anglers may prefer a more specialized rod for certain types of fishing

Here is the real life experience of this rod:

Okuma Cedros CJ-65S

If you’re in search of a lightweight yet durable surf casting rod, then the Okuma Cedros CJ-65S is a great option. As someone who enjoys surf fishing, I’ve had the chance to use this rod and I’m impressed with its quality and performance.

One of the standout features of the Cedros CJ-65S is its lightweight construction. Made with E-glass blank materials and a high-density rubber butt cap, this rod is easy to handle and won’t leave you feeling fatigued after a long day of casting. Despite its lightweight design, the Cedros CJ-65S is still incredibly strong and durable, thanks to its reinforced blank tip and double footed stainless steel guide frames.

Another great thing about the Cedros CJ-65S is its sensitive tip. This makes it easier to detect even the slightest bites and helps ensure that you never miss an opportunity to reel in your catch. Additionally, the rod’s high-quality reel seat and ergonomic cork handle provide a comfortable and stable grip that is easy to hold for long periods of time.

Overall, the Okuma Cedros CJ-65S is a top-notch surf casting rod that is both lightweight and durable. It’s perfect for surf fishing and can handle big fish with ease. If you’re looking for a high-quality surf casting rod that won’t weigh you down, then the Cedros CJ-65S is definitely worth considering.

Here’s a comparison table of the pros and cons for the Okuma Cedros CJ-65S Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
Lightweight construction for easy handling	May not be as suitable for heavy-duty fishing as some other rods
Sensitive tip for better bite detection	Higher price point compared to some other surf casting rods on the market
Reinforced blank tip and double footed guides	May not be as ideal for beginners due to its sensitive nature
High-quality reel seat and ergonomic cork handle	Not suitable for surf fishing in rough conditions or heavy surf

Note: The pros and cons mentioned here are based on personal experience and customer reviews, and individual opinions may vary. Here is the real life experience of this reel:

Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod:

If you’re looking for a surf casting rod that can handle big game fishing, then the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is definitely worth considering. As someone who has used this rod for surf fishing, I can say that it’s one of the best options out there.

One of the key features of the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is its strength and durability. Made with a rugged fiberglass blank and EVA foam grips, this rod can handle even the most challenging fishing conditions. The rod’s double-bridged guides also ensure that your line stays secure and won’t slip off, even when you’re reeling in a big catch.

Another great thing about the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is its versatility. It can be used for a variety of different fishing styles, from surf casting to pier fishing and even trolling. The rod’s sensitive tip also allows you to feel even the slightest bites, giving you a better chance of hooking your catch.

Overall, the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is a high-quality and versatile rod that is perfect for big game fishing. Its strength and durability make it ideal for challenging surf conditions, while its sensitive tip and versatility make it suitable for a range of different fishing styles. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective surf casting rod, then the Daiwa Beefstick is definitely a great choice.

here’s a comparison table of the pros and cons for the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
Rugged fiberglass blank for added strength and durability	May not be as suitable for lighter fishing or more finesse-based techniques
EVA foam grips for comfortable and secure handling	Slightly heavier compared to some other surf casting rods on the market
Double-bridged guides to keep line secure and in place	Some users report that the rod’s sensitivity could be improved
Versatile design for different fishing styles	Higher price point compared to some other surf casting rods on the market
Sensitive tip for better bite detection	Some users report that the rod’s action could be stiffer for heavier lures/baits

Note: The pros and cons mentioned here are based on personal experience and customer reviews, and individual opinions may vary.

Here is the real life experience of this rod:

Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod:

The Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is an excellent choice for big game fishing. As someone who has personally used this rod for surf casting, I can attest to its quality and performance.

One of the standout features of this rod is its rugged fiberglass blank. This provides added strength and durability, allowing you to fish in challenging surf conditions with confidence. Additionally, the EVA foam grips offer a comfortable and secure hold, even when your hands are wet.

The Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is also a versatile option, suitable for a variety of fishing styles. Whether you’re surf casting, pier fishing, or trolling, this rod can handle it all. The double-bridged guides keep your line secure and in place, preventing any frustrating slips or tangles.

In terms of sensitivity, the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod has a sensitive tip that allows you to detect even the slightest bites. This can make all the difference when trying to hook a big catch.

Overall, the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod is a top-of-the-line option for big game fishing. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-performing surf casting rod.

here’s a comparison table of the pros and cons for the Daiwa Beefstick Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
Rugged fiberglass blank for added strength and durability	May not be as suitable for lighter fishing or more finesse-based techniques
EVA foam grips for comfortable and secure handling	Slightly heavier compared to some other surf casting rods on the market
Double-bridged guides to keep line secure and in place	Some users report that the rod’s sensitivity could be improved
Versatile design for different fishing styles	Higher price point compared to some other surf casting rods on the market
Sensitive tip for better bite detection	Some users report that the rod’s action could be stiffer for heavier lures/baits

Note: The pros and cons mentioned here are based on personal experience and customer reviews, and individual opinions may vary.

Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod:

The Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod is an excellent value for the money. As someone who has personally used this rod for surf casting, I can attest to its quality and affordability.

One of the standout features of this rod is its high-quality graphite construction, which provides added sensitivity and strength. The rod is also lightweight, making it easy to handle and cast for extended periods of time. The cork handle offers a comfortable grip, even when your hands are wet, and the rod’s sleek design is visually appealing.

In terms of performance, the Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod offers excellent accuracy and distance. The rod’s medium-heavy power and fast action allow you to cast with precision and hit your target with ease. The rod’s sensitivity also makes it easy to detect even the slightest bites, helping you to reel in more fish.

Overall, the Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performing surf casting rod that won’t break the bank. Its quality construction, lightweight design, and impressive accuracy make it a great value for the money.

here’s a comparison table of the pros and cons for the Tica UEHA Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
Affordable price point for high-quality construction	Some users may find the rod’s medium-heavy power to be limiting for certain fishing styles
Lightweight design for easy handling	May not be as durable as some higher-end surf casting rods
High-quality graphite construction for added sensitivity	Some users report that the rod’s guides could be improved for smoother line flow
Cork handle for comfortable grip, even when wet	The rod’s fast action may not be suitable for all fishing styles
Excellent accuracy and distance for precision casting	Some users may prefer a longer rod for increased casting distance

Note: The pros and cons mentioned here are based on personal experience and customer reviews, and individual opinions may vary. Here is the real life experience of this rod:

Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Casting Rod:

Serious anglers demand the best surf casting rod to maximize their performance on the water. The Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Casting Rod is a high-performance rod that delivers the quality and precision you need to target big game fish in challenging surf casting conditions.

Constructed with high-modulus graphite, this rod offers superior strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites and make accurate strikes. Its Fuji K-guides also contribute to efficient line flow, enhancing your casting distance and accuracy.

The Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Casting Rod is designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring EVA foam handles that provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle for extended periods, and its fast action and extra-heavy power allow you to cast with incredible distance and accuracy.

If you’re looking for the best surf casting rod on the market, the Tsunami Airwave Elite Surf Casting Rod is a top contender. With its exceptional strength, sensitivity, and casting distance, this high-performance rod is perfect for serious anglers who demand the best from their equipment. Here is the real life experience of this rod:

Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod:

The Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod is the perfect choice for those seeking to achieve maximum distance when surf casting. With its advanced features and innovative design, this rod is engineered to help you cast your bait farther than ever before.

One of the key features of the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod is its high-modulus blank, which provides strength and sensitivity while minimizing weight. This allows you to make long casts with ease, while still maintaining the feel and feedback you need to detect even the slightest bites.

The Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod also features a custom grip assembly, designed to maximize comfort and control during use. This grip is specifically designed to reduce fatigue during extended casting sessions, ensuring that you can stay focused and alert throughout your fishing trip.

In addition, the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod comes equipped with Fuji Alconite K-guides, which minimize friction and promote efficient line flow. This not only helps to increase casting distance, but also reduces the risk of tangles and other casting issues.

If you’re looking for the best surf casting rod for long distance casting, the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod is a top choice. Its advanced features and thoughtful design make it an ideal tool for serious anglers looking to achieve maximum distance and precision on the water.

here is a comparison table for the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod:

Pros	Cons
High-modulus blank for strength and sensitivity	Higher price point than some other options
Custom grip assembly for comfort and control	May not be suitable for beginners
Fuji Alconite K-guides for efficient line flow	Slightly heavier than some other high-end options
Ideal for long distance casting
Thoughtful design for serious anglers

Here is the real life experience of this reel:

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Shimano Tiralejo Surf Casting Rod is the ideal choice for serious anglers who prioritize long distance casting. With a high-modulus blank and custom grip assembly, this rod offers both strength and comfort for extended use. The Fuji Alconite K-guides also ensure efficient line flow for smooth casting. While the price point may be higher than some other options, the thoughtful design and high-end features make this rod a top contender for the title of best surf casting rod.

Hopefully, you have learned a lot from this blog, keep exploring this platform to understand different aspects of fishing in detail for example in our previous blog we have described in detail about best baitcasting rods similarly you can explore more to find out detailed insights about fishing gear. Happy fishing!