10 Best Surf Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

The PENN Battle IV Size 2500 is a strong choice for surf fishing, thanks to its durable full metal body and sideplate that can handle the stress of big saltwater fish. Its gear ratio of 6.2:1 offers a decent recovery speed, pulling in about 33 inches of line per crank, which helps when reeling in fast or heavy catches. The HT-100 drag system with a max drag of 12 pounds provides smooth and reliable resistance, allowing you to fight fish without wearing out the drag washers quickly. This reel’s line capacity supports both monofilament and braided lines well, with enough room to hold plenty of line for long casts or battling strong fish.

The six stainless steel ball bearings contribute to smooth operation and durability, while the Hydro Armor seals protect key parts from water damage, a big plus for saltwater use. The aluminum handle is sturdy and comfortable, and the reel is ambidextrous, fitting both right- and left-handed anglers. On the downside, the 2500 size is more suited for light to medium surf fishing rather than targeting very large species, so if you aim for bigger fish, you might want a larger reel. Also, while very durable, the full metal construction makes it a bit heavier than some reels in this size.

This PENN reel delivers excellent build quality and performance features that meet the demands of surf fishing, especially for anglers targeting small to medium-sized saltwater fish.

The PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Surf Fishing Reel is a robust and reliable choice for surf fishing enthusiasts. Its all-metal construction and IPX5 sealed aluminum reel spool make it highly resistant to corrosion, an essential feature for saltwater environments. The reel's HT-100 front drag system, with a maximum drag of 20 pounds, ensures you can handle larger fish without difficulty.

The precision CNC gear technology and a 6.2:1 gear ratio offer smooth and efficient operation, with a recovery rate of 40 inches per turn, which is quite impressive. Additionally, the reel provides ample line capacity for both mono and braided lines, enhancing its versatility. The six stainless steel ball bearings, including one instant anti-reverse bearing, contribute to the reel's smooth performance and reliability during retrievals. The ambidextrous handle design allows for comfortable use by both right and left-handed anglers.

On the downside, the reel weighs 0.76 pounds, which might be considered heavy for prolonged use. Moreover, while the all-metal construction is durable, it can add to the overall weight, making it less ideal for those who prioritize lightweight gear. The manual bail trip for larger sizes (6500-10500) might also require some getting used to for those accustomed to automatic bails. The PENN Spinfisher VI offers excellent durability, smooth performance, and versatility, making it a solid choice for serious surf fishing, though its weight and manual bail trip could be potential drawbacks for some users.

The PENN Battle III 5000 spinning reel is a solid choice for surf fishing, offering a nice balance of strength, smoothness, and durability. Its all-aluminum body and sideplates make it tough enough to handle harsh saltwater environments, which is important when fishing near the shore. The reel has a medium gear ratio of 5.6:1, meaning it retrieves line at a moderate speed—fast enough to keep up with moving fish but also providing good power for larger catches.

One of its standout features is the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system with a maximum drag of 25 pounds, giving you reliable control over strong fish without tiring your arms. With a line capacity that supports both braided and monofilament lines, you can choose the best line type for your fishing style, and the superline spool helps keep braided lines secure. The reel uses six stainless steel ball bearings (five standard plus one instant anti-reverse), which contribute to smooth reeling and prevent the handle from spinning backward when fighting fish. The handle is made from stainless steel and is ambidextrous, so it suits both left- and right-handed anglers.

At 0.54 kilograms, the reel is not too heavy, helping reduce fatigue during long surf fishing sessions. While the 5000 size is versatile, heavier or more specialized surf fishing might require larger reels with higher drag ratings. The gear ratio is moderate but not very fast, which may affect retrieval speed for some users. The PENN Battle III 5000 is durable, smooth, and offers good drag power and line capacity for most inshore and nearshore surf fishing needs. It is particularly well-suited for anglers seeking a reliable, all-around reel that handles saltwater conditions well without being overly complex or heavy.