Surf Fishing Reels: How To Choose

The amount of spinning reels for surf fishing is overwhelming and can be a difficult task to choose one. Gear ratio, number of bearings, reel size, all have their places but what is the best option for you? I narrow down what to look for when choosing a spinning reel for surf fishing.

[davidmcdaniel]

Thank you for the direction. I am looking for my first surf setup and really had no idea what to look for. Really appreciate it!

[tomspann]

Good and really honest talk. I absolutely appreciated your point of view. Thanks. Tom

[Jtroberts]

Great advice! Really appreciate it. I have a Diawa BG5000 and was looking for something a bit smaller for targeting pompano and whiting on the surf. Going with the Battle 3 4000

[arnoldzilban]

Excellent unpack and review of "reel" fishing!

[Scale]

I used penn spinfisher vi 4500 for whiting but I had an unexpected stingray hook up and it sounded like the reel was going to explode. I want to upgrade to a 5500 but I hope its not too much reel for whiting fishing

[ely]

I have a 10’ Tsunami Rod paired with a 4000 Penn Pursuit IV. I’ve thought about sizing up but I don’t like to add on weight if I can help it. I’ve landed a nice Striper on it with no issues.

[friscoray]

Thanks for the comprehensive video. When does balance of the rod come in to the picture when it comes to reel sizes?

[johnnyspeight]

Another good video. Lots of good info. I’ve managed to collect a pretty good selection of rods and reels since we first fished last year.

[yeoshuabenzaken]

What size reel should I get on a surf rod that is 4.2 meters and a weight of 100-200g? I’m not going to catch huge fish from the beach as I live in the Mediterranean Sea. I want to cast the farthest distance possible . I want to use braided line about 20lb

[aniqnadzmi]

Interesting explanation mate. Just want to start surf. You think a 4000 pursuit 4 match with 12 feet rod? What lb for the braid recommended?

[KennyFishbone]

Good points.
Excellent description or speed vs power
Think size boils down to, no one size covers all situations.

[antoniobruno]

Hey! I want to say thank This video was a big Thank you for the break down. Definitely going to a Please make more videos!!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[MicSokol]

Everything you said makes perfect sense, maybe because I have the same opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[jeffsmith]

What do you recommend for 200lb wells catfish?

[John-quzd]

I predominantly set fish using cut bait to the last gut and rip. I like big reels for jacks sharks reds rays drum king etc. They all like to run amd I need line capacity especially IF they do somehow break me off I want line left to use especially if I'm on a tall pier after sharks Goliath etc.
I have other set ups like you described for casting which I have tons of lures but almost don't do anymore unless fish are highly active aggressive or schooling

[Thebankfisher]

I agree...go as light on the reel as you can get away with for the target species.... We only used 5000 and 6000 reels but had to jump up to 7500 to hold bigger line and handle the 50" Drum and 6ft black tips.

[VJTrey]

Im torn between persuit and battle 4000 what do you recommend?

[ColonelBravo]

I like and have penn reels, but I have a saragosa also. I target various species using a 6500 size, and believe or not but a 10, 000 saragosa is the same size as a Penn 6500 in capacity, weight, and drag. The numbers do not compare from some manufacturers. Good video

[FloridaBoyGrizz]

Awesome I have 2500 on my set ups all Penn pursuit 3s. I walk the beach with my bait and drift it. But I wanted to get the penn pursuit 4 As I wanted something a lil bit bigger for throwing out bigger baits in the surf, or for jetty/ pier fishing and I was stuck bet 3000 or 4000.

[antoniosidney]

I live on the coast of São Paulo in Brazil, as it is rare to get a specimen over 10 kg, I use a 4.20 m rod of 20 lbs, casting 100 to 200 gr and a Shimano C 5000 reel, starting with fluorocarbon 0.375 mm, multifilament 0.16 mm and lead with 100 gr; long pitches for good fun.