What Size Reel for Surf Fishing? – Reel Size Chart!

If you’ve ever stood on the shore, waves lapping at your feet, and wondered about the best gear for surf fishing, you’re not alone. The surf or beach fishing reel itself is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need to get right. Regarding the surf or beach fishing reel, the right size is crucial for several reasons.

In this guide, we will cover the factors you need to consider when choosing the size of a reel for surf fishing. From the type of fish you’re targeting to the total weight of line you’ll be using, and even the conditions you’ll be surf rods and fishing in, we’ll cover it all.

Note: We recently covered an article on spinning reel sizes for surf fishing. However, my team mentioned that it might be unnecessary to cover this topic again since we’ve already provided size recommendations. Still, I’ve noticed that there’s often confusion among people. The previous article focused specifically on spinning reels, while this one provides general information on reel sizes.

Reel Size for Surf Fishing Chart

Factors to Consider When Selecting Reel Size

Target Species

Choosing the right rod weights, rods, reel, and rod size starts with knowing what type of fish you’re after. Different species require different rod weights, reels, rod weights, and rod sizes to ensure you have enough line capacity and drag power to handle them effectively.

Casting Distance and Line Capacity

How far you need to cast your rods and fish to land a catch, how fast action, how many lines your rods and spinning rods, and reel size can hold are crucial factors, especially in surf fishing.

Braided lines are great because they have a smaller diameter compared to monofilament lines of the same strength. This means you can fit more lines onto your reel.

For example, a reel that holds 200 yards of 20 lb monofilament might hold 300 yards of 30 lb braid. This extra capacity can be a game-changer for making long casts and handling fish that take long runs.

The Penn Spinfisher V 5500 is a great choice because it can hold a significant amount of braided line, making it perfect for reaching those distant sandbars where fish often gather.

Environmental Conditions

The conditions where you land on your boat fishing and catch your fish also influence your boat fishing rod and surf fishing line rating reel fishing and choice significantly.

During low tide, fish are often further out, so you’ll need a reel with high line capacity to reach them. A 5500-size reel is recommended because it provides enough line to cast to the far sandbars. Using a braided line can help extend your casting distance and ensure you have the capacity needed.

During high tide, fish tend to be closer to the shore. A smaller reel, like a 3500 size, is more suitable in these conditions. This setup is lighter and easier to handle, which is beneficial when you’re casting frequently or moving along the beach.

Sealed vs. Non-Sealed Reels

Saltwater and sand can damage fishing tackle rods, fishing rods, and reels quickly, so it’s essential to consider whether your fishing tackle or fishing rod and fishing rod and reel are sealed.

Sealed reels, such as the Penn Slammer III, are excellent because they protect against saltwater and sand intrusion. This protection prolongs the life of your gear and ensures smooth operation even in harsh conditions. They’re perfect for those who fish regularly in saltwater environments.

If you’re fishing in less harsh conditions or can commit to diligent maintenance, non-sealed reels might be sufficient. However, they require more frequent cleaning and upkeep to prevent damage from saltwater and sand. They’re a good option if you’re looking to save a bit on cost and are okay with the extra maintenance effort.

Recommended Reel Sizes for Various Scenarios

Beginners

If you’re new to using surf rods or rods and fishing, you’ll want a versatile setup that can handle a variety of conditions.

We recommend a reel in the 4500-6500″ size reel, range, paired with a 10-12 foot medium-heavy surf rod. This two-fishing, conventional reel and surf rod combination offers a good balance of casting distance, line length, capacity, and power, making it suitable for various fish and surf conditions.

Species-Specific Recommendations

Pompano and Smaller Species: For these smaller fish, use 3500-4000 size reels. These reels are lightweight and provide enough line capacity and drag power to handle smaller species effectively.

Snook During High Tide: A 3500 size reel is ideal for snook, especially when they are close to shore during high tide. This size allows for easy casting and has sufficient line capacity to manage the powerful runs typical of snook.

Tarpons and Sharks (Under 4 Feet): A 4000-4500 size reel works well for smaller tarpons and sharks. These reels offer a good balance of line capacity and drag power to handle the initial runs and jumps of these powerful fish.

Larger Tarpons and Sharks: For larger tarpons and sharks, opt for reels in the 5500-7500 size range. These reels have the necessary line capacity and drag power to handle the long runs and significant strength of big fish.

Fishing Techniques

Your surf fishing rod and method also influence the weight of your surf fishing rod, your fishing can, the length of your surf fishing rod, and your surf fishing rod reel size:

Lure fishing requires lighter, faster reels. We recommend 3000-4000 size reels for this technique. These reels are lightweight, making them easy to cast repeatedly, and they offer enough speed to retrieve lures effectively. This setup helps in maintaining a quick and consistent action, which is crucial for attracting fish with lures.

To cast bait and let it sit, use larger reels, like 6000-8000, for greater line capacity. These reels can hold enough lines to reach distant sandbars and have the drag power to manage big fish that may take the bait. This technique benefits from the robust build and capacity of larger reels, ensuring you can handle long battles with bigger fish.

Understanding Gear Ratio and Reel Features

The length and gear ratio of a pair of fishing rods and a reel determines how fast you can retrieve your line. A full pair of fishing rods, hooks, and reels with a higher gear ratio means faster retrieval, which is beneficial for certain types of fishing.

Speaking of hooks and rods, we’ve covered these topics for surf fishing as well: Hook Size for Surf Fishing & What Size Rod and Reel for Surf Fishing?

Higher gear ratios are better for lure fishing where speed is essential. For example, a reel with a 6:1 gear ratio means the spool turns six times for every turn of the handle, allowing you to retrieve your lure quickly. This rapid retrieval is key for keeping lures moving at an enticing speed to attract fish.

For soaking baits, the gear ratio is less critical. A lower gear ratio (e.g., 4:1) provides more torque, making it easier to reel in larger fish. This additional power is advantageous when dealing with big fish that require more effort to bring in.

Drag System

A good drag system is crucial for managing big catches and handling them smoothly. Look for bottom fishing reels made with a triple-disc drag system for reliable performance when boat fishing.

A quality drag system allows spinning reels for you to apply consistent pressure on a fish, preventing line breaks and helping you control the fight. This consistency is key when battling larger fish, as it ensures your line doesn’t snap under the strain of fast action.

Bearings and Reel Construction

The number of bearings in a reel affects its smoothness. Generally, more bearings in small reels mean smoother operation. We prefer rods and reels with at least five bearings for a balance of performance and cost.

Also, the construction materials of the reel body, such as graphite or aluminum, impact its weight and durability. Graphite bottom rods and bottom fishing reels are lighter but tend to be less durable, while cast aluminum surf fishing reel bottom rods, and reels can offer greater durability but are heavier.

Maintenance and Longevity of Fishing Reels

To keep your spinning rod rigs and spinning rod reel rigs in top condition, follow these tips:

• Rinse After Use: Always rinse your reel with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your reel.
• Regular Maintenance: Lubricate bearings and check the drag system regularly to ensure smooth operation. Periodic maintenance can prevent issues like rust and stiffness.
• Proper Storage: Store your reels in a dry place to prevent corrosion. Using reel covers can also protect your reels from dust and scratches.

Our Recommendations and Suggestions

Beginner Setup

For beginners, we recommend a setup that is versatile and easy to use:

• Reel: Shimano Spheros 6000 or Penn Battle III 5000. These reels offer a good balance of line capacity, drag power, and durability, making them great choices for newcomers.
• Rod: 10-12 foot medium-heavy action rod. This length provides the casting distance needed for surf fishing while being manageable for beginners.
• Line: 30 lb braid with a 30 lb fluorocarbon leader. Braid offers strength and casting distance, while fluorocarbon leaders provide abrasion resistance and low visibility, which is perfect for various conditions.

Advanced Setup

For more experienced anglers targeting larger fish or fishing in more challenging conditions:

• Reel: Daiwa BG 6500 or Shimano Stradic 5000. These reels are robust and offer excellent performance for big fish and long casts.
• Rod: 11-13 foot heavy action rod for long-distance casting. This rod length and action provide the power needed to cast heavy baits and handle large fish.
• Line: 40 lb braid with a 40 lb mono leader. This setup offers the strength and durability needed for targeting larger species, ensuring you’re well-prepared for bigger catches.

Check our recommendations on Best Spinning Reels For Anglers – Top 10 Tested + Reviewed