Best Surf Fishing Reels in 2023 with Reviews and Buying Guide

Robert Koelewyn started Van Staal brand reels in the early 1990s to match the harsh conditions of surf fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. He sold it to Pure Fishing which owns Shakespeare (Zebco), and Penn as well. Mr. Koelewyn built up his spinning reel brand to be one of the most respected in the market, competing against brands like Penn and Shimano. Around here we owe him a special debt of gratitude for making one of the best reels ever.

Today the brand is known for its rugged waterproof spinning reels for surf and rock/cliff fishing.

With 40 lb. of carbon fiber drag and a tough 6061-T6 Aluminum body reel, you can muscle in the heaviest fish on the smoothest of drags. It's hard to compare this reel against anything other than the Daiwa Saltiga and Shimano Stella, at a fraction of the price.

We can tell you first-hand, the Van Staal VR200 surf fishing reel is known for its durability and rugged toughness. This is really the ultimate surf fishing reel for anyone who is fishing from a beach where wave-sprayed salt, sand, dirt, grime, and sweat can make a reel useless over time.

The Van Staal VR200 reels have some great features that make them ideal for surf fishing! You'll understand what we're talking about when you're holding it in your hand, it's like a tank. If you've ever used a Hasselblad or old Leica camera, you know the feeling. Perfectly machined genius.

Here's what the Van Staal VR Series reels are known for.

Solid Construction: The reel is made from high-quality materials all around. The feeling of the exceptional build quality is unmistakable.

Large Line Capacity: The reel can hold up to 500 yards of 40-pound braided line, which makes it suitable for catching large fish in the surf or even deep sea fishing.

Waterproof, Weatherproof, Dirt, and Dustproof: The VR200 reels are completely sealed and waterproof, which means they can withstand submersion in saltwater, dropping onto the sand, and other horrible things you put your reels through. This reel is not shockproof but is built very solidly.

Ultra-Smooth Drag System: The VR series has a smooth and powerful stutter-free waterproof drag system that we love.

Easy Maintenance: The VR200 is easy to maintain and clean, which means you'll be using it next decade too. It isn't hard to keep in good shape.

The Van Staal VR200 is a great reel for anglers who are looking for a high-quality and reliable surf fishing reel. Its waterproof design, solid construction, smooth drag system, large line capacity, and easy maintenance make it an excellent choice for serious anglers. The size of the VR200 is comparable to a size 5000 or 6000 Shimano or Penn spinning reel.

Features

Construction – One piece aluminum body. Aluminum handle, spool, and rotor. Stainless steel spool shaft with titanium nitride coating.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – VR200 4.8:1 (40"). The smallest in the series, the VR50, has 6.3:1 (37").
13 Bearings
Spool Capacity – VR200 500 yd./40 lb. braid, 400 yd./15 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 40 lb. carbon fiber
Weight – 16.8 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve – Both available. The right-hand side cranks add a '1' to the end of their model number. So VR200 has a left-hand crank and VR201 has a right-handed crank.

What We Like

Build Quality – This fully sealed system will give you confidence that you can fish for days in harsh conditions without so much as cleaning your reel. The strength, durability, and smooth operation are legendary among anglers using these reels.
Bail-less Kit (optional) – You can remove the bail which helps you cast longer distances and avoid some problems inherent in using the bail.
Upgraded Spool Shaft – The new spool axis is thicker/stronger than Gen. 1.
Waterproof – The VR series reels can operate underwater. Meaning, you can reel underwater. It is completely waterproof and ideal for conditions when fishing from the surf or rocks where saltwater waves are splashing.
Manual Bail Flip – Unlike most spinning reels, this one requires you to manually flip your bail shut after casting. This prevents accidental closure while casting and losing a heavy (and expensive) lure as the line is abruptly stopped.

What We Don't Like

Heavier – The VR200 weighs more in comparison to offerings from Shimano, Daiwa, and Penn.
Right/Left Handles – You must buy the option you want, and it can't be changed like on most other spinning reels.

Here is a great video showing you all of the features of the Van Staal VR series of surf fishing reels.

Van Staal spinning reels are one-of-a-kind expensive tools that will get the job done because they're so darn reliable and virtually indestructible with normal use. Some of us cannot do without them. A quick note – their sizing is not correlated to other spinning reel manufacturers. For instance, the Van Daal VR50 reel is around a size 3000 Shimano spinning reel. Go by spool capacity instead.

Best Surf Fishing Spinning Reel for the Money: Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel

Though moderately priced, and some would say 'expensive', the Shimano Vanford spinning reel series packs in the most value for your money. These are ultra-lightweight reels with high technology like Ci4+ carbon reinforced composite body and handle, super lightweight rotor, and Hagane forged gears (no cut).

The Shimano Vanford comes in several different gear ratios, depending on the model. Model sizes available include 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 and you can see their gear ratios below.

The versatility is what makes this reel so special. You can fish the 5000-size Vanford from a 12' surf reel for big redfish, jacks, permit, or sharks. Or you can use it inshore on a 7' rod for trout, pompano, or bonefish. It can be a pier rod or fished from a boat inshore. Then, when you're tired of saltwater fishing, you can target big walleye, pike, musky, and gar with this reel.

Features

Construction – Body and handle are Ci4+ carbon. Spool is aluminum. Hagane gears.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – Size 500 5.6:1 (27"), Size 1000 5.1:1 (25"), size 2000 6:1 (32"), size 3000 6.4:1 (35"), size 4000 6.2:1 (40"), size 5000 6.2:1 (40").
7+1 S A-RB Bearings
Spool Capacity – Max 300 yd./30 lb. braid, 200 yd./12 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – Max 24 lb. carbon fiber discs for the 4000 and 5000 sizes.
Weight – 5.3. to 8.3 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Build Quality – The reel is beautifully designed and made with top-quality materials. It is very lightweight, but when you use it, you can't believe it's as strong as it is. The lightweight body, handle, and rotor make this a dream to use.
Smooth! – Smooth, light, and effortless retrieves make this a joy to use.
Drag – Smooth and consistent water-resistant drag system worked really well when dry and more than acceptable when the reel got wet.
Price – We were very happy to spend as little as we did on this one because the price was more just a few months ago. There are many $250 reels on the market that don't come anywhere near this level of technology, functionality, and weight.

What We Don't Like

Limited Sizes – The Shimano Vanford only goes up to a size 5000.

Here is a video showing you why this may be one of the best spinning reels on the market.

If you want an ultralight spinning reel from one of the top 5 manufacturers in the fishing business, this Shimano Vanford reel is an excellent choice that will quickly become your favorite inshore spinning reel under $300.

Best Penn Reel for Surf Fishing: Penn Slammer IV

We'll look at one of the 13 reels in the PENN Slammer IV series, the SLAIV4500HS model. The HS stands for 'high speed' and means the gear ratio is higher so you can retrieve more line with a spin of the handle. This 4500HS retrieves 48" of line.

The Penn Slammer has always been one of our go-to reels over the years, and with the latest fourth iteration, PENN has really given us a reel that is hard to beat for spinning surf reels, and at a very reasonable price.

The body and spool of the Slammer IV have been enhanced with IPX6-rated water resistance and the drag's water resistance has also been increased. IPX6 means you can splash the reel with saltwater, rain, or maybe even tears if you lose the fish! Water should stay out of the interior of the reel. It can resist high-pressure sprays of water and splashes. It is not rated for submersion in water.

The PENN Slammer IV is the perfect reel for surf, kayak, pier, or boat fishing and there is a size made just for the kind of fishing you intend on doing. Models include 2500, 2500HS, 3500, 4500, 4500HS, 5500, 5500BLS, 6500, 6500HS, 7500, 8500, 8500HS, and 10500.

Features

Construction – Full metal body and side plate. Brass CNC gearing. Aluminum spool.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 2500 6.2:1 (33"), 2500HS 7.0:1 (39"), 3500 6.2:1 (37"), 4500 6.2:1 (40"), 4500HS 7.0:1 (48"), 5500 5.6:1 (39"), 5500BLS 5.6:1 (39"), 6500 5.6:1 (42"), 6500HS 6.2:1 (48"), 7500 4.7:1 (38"), 8500 4.7:1 (42"), 8500HS 5.3:1 (50"), 10500 4.2:1 (43").
8+1 Bearings – IPX6 sealed.
Spool Capacity – 250 yd./30 lb. braid, 215 yd./ 12 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 30 lb. Dura-drag system.
Weight – 15 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Brand – We love PENN reels and tend to buy them if there is one that has the features and specs we need. Our PENN reels have lasted for many years and seem to be able to take a beating more so than other brands we've used heavily.
Bail Trip – Smaller models have automatic bail trip (flip) and models of 6500 and higher require a manual bail trip to reel in line.
Durability – PENN reels are known for their durability in saltwater use. We have been using these reels for years and can verify that they are some of the most durable reels available for harsh environments.
Price – PENN reels are priced so that anyone can afford them.

What We Don't Like

Heavy – Though it isn't a tank like the Van Staal reel above, the Slammer IV in the upper size categories is no lightweight reel either. It's ideal for putting in a rod holder and waiting for bites and not so great for hand-holding the rod for hours on end as you cast and retrieve in the surf. PENN didn't seem concerned with saving weight with this reel. Admittedly, it's not one of the huge concerns surf anglers usually have.

Here is a video showing all of the features of the PENN Slammer IV.

The Penn Slammer IV series has put a smile on anglers' faces for a decade. The first one was introduced in 2005. We got our first one shortly after. There have been technological advancements, mainly in water resistance and anti-corrosive material use but the reels have largely maintained their same profile and use case.

If you're looking for a surf fishing reel you can rely on and you insist on buying reels from one of the top brands in the space, the PENN Slammer IV should be on your list of potential purchases. The guys on the team couldn't be happier with ours. Solid engineering with durable materials plus high water resistance and simple technology makes this one of our favorites of all time for surf fishing!

Staff Favorite: Penn Spinfisher VI

In 1961 PENN introduced the first Spinfisher reel, the Spinfisher 700. We've come a long way since then, and the Spinfisher is still with us and on its 6th iteration!

The PENN Spinfisher VI comes in a multitude of sizes, left and right handle options, and in three different styles – Regular, Live-Liner, Bail-less, and Long Cast.

The Standard model is a spinning reel made for surf and inshore fishing. The Live Liner is designed for anglers who want to fish with live bait. It has a drag system that allows adjustment of the tension on the spool to enhance live bait fishing. The Bail-less model is designed especially for surf fishing and other types of fishing where the bail can get in the way. Instead of a bail, the Bail-less has a manual pickup system. The Long Cast model is designed for anglers who want to make long casts. The spool is designed for extra-long casting and has a slow oscillation system that helps reduce line twist.

These models are available: SSVI2500, SSVI3500, SSVI4500, SSVI5500, SSVI6500, SSVI7500, SSVI8500, SSVI9500, SSVI10500, SSVI4500BLS, and SSVI6500BLS.

In this overview, we'll talk about the SSVI6500 standard model.

Features

Construction – Full metal body. CNC brass gear system. Sealed body and aluminum spool. Carbon fiber handle.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 2500 6.2:1 (33"), 3500 6.2:1 (37"), 4500 6.2:1 (40"), SSVI4500BLS 6.2:1 (40"), 5500 5.6:1 (39"), 6500 5.6:1 (42"), SSVI6500BLS 5.6:1 (42"), 7500 4.7:1 (38"), 8500 4.7:1 (42"), 9500 4.2:1 (40"), 10500 4.2:1 (43").
5+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 335 yd./50 lb. braid, 205 yd./20 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 30 lb. with HT-100 carbon discs.
Weight – 22.3 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

4 Styles – With three extra reel styles, we get even more options to choose from that will help us catch more fish and enjoy fishing a little bit more. The Long Liner, Bail-less, and Long Cast reels help anglers out with reels focused on their type of fishing. Great idea!
IPX5 – Good water resistance at this price point is a positive. Spinfisher reels can take splashes and sprays of saltwater without a problem.
Materials – High-grade stainless steel, brass, carbon fiber, and aluminum.
Price – PENN reels are priced so that anyone can afford them.

What We Don't Like

Bearings – Bearing numbers are a bit low, we don't know whether that will translate into a worse user experience down the road in a couple of years. We have only had our reel a short while. It's fine now, not as smooth as a Vanford or Van Staal of course, but it's smooth enough.

Here is a video showing all of the features of the PENN Spinfisher line of fishing reels.

The PENN Spinfisher has been around as a series longer than most of us have been alive. Though Penn has been sold a number of times, they retain their high-quality products, engineering, and commitment to innovation.

We have always liked PENN surf fishing reels and we'll keep buying them as long as the quality stays in the top 3-5 reels available. You shouldn't have any reservations about the brand, so shop from this page based on features and specs that you know will serve you well for the next decade. Or, buy more than one reel!

Best Casting Reel for Surf Fishing: Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel

Designed for serious surf casters, the Ultegra XTD Surf reels (ULT5500XTD and ULT14000XTD) provide consistent long-distance casting performance and Super Slow Oscillation (14000 model) / Slow Oscillation (5500 model) for precision line lay. Plus, these reels feature Shimano X-Ship for improved gear durability even under the heaviest loads.

The Shimano Ultegra XTD reel is an excellent surf casting reel for big game or small. It has a Long Cast Spool that allows line to come off easier and with fewer twists. The Aero Wrap II stem reduces line oscillation to provide optimal line lay and cut down on twisted lines.

Like some other Shimano reels, the XTD uses the Hagane Gear system. It's a cold-forged brass gear system that doesn't rely on cutting precision. The gears are formed in exactly the shape they are needed. This means more strength and durability.

The body is made of the same carbon composite Ci4+ body as the Shimano Vanford surf reel, giving it a lightweight and strong body and side plate that can take a lot of stress.

Features

Construction – Body is carbon composite Ci4+.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 5500 model 5.3:1 (42"), 14000 model (4.3:1 (42").
4+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 5500 model holds 220 yd./50 lb. braided, 230 yd./16 lb. mono. 14000 model holds 335 yd./65 lb. braided, 330 yd./20 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 33 lb. for the 5500 model and 44 lb. for the 14000 model.
Weight – 5500 model is 17.3 oz., 14000 model is 21.9 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Parallel Body – Eliminates line slap and ensure smoother casting.
Spool Lip – Another casting enhancement, the new Propulsion spool lip design allows longer casting than other designs and helps to prevent bird nests (backlash) and knots in the line.
Drag Free Spool – With just a half-turn on the drag knob, the reel goes from whatever drag setting you had it on to free spool. Super useful!

What We Don't Like

Bearings – Seems like an inevitable negative consequence is on the way from having only 5 bearings in total.

The Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel is an obvious winning choice for surf fishing enthusiasts looking to improve on their spinning reel experience. There are a number of new technologies here that will probably make it into other reels at Shimano, but even across manufacturers as other companies get wind of them.

The Ultegra XTD is a strong, reliable, and realistically priced reel that deserves a look if you're interested in either a 5500 or 14000 size reel. It's a shame they don't have more options, but it seems this is a test release before they go bigger with it, or perhaps they will just move these advanced features to other reels already in their lineup.

One thing we liked a lot is the drag-free spool feature. Going from full drag to no drag in a split second is a really nice feature we've used over and over as a fish pulled us into structure and we didn't want to snap the line. It's also great for fishing grouper from a pier when they get 'holed up' and you release the pressure in an instant. They think they're free and will move out of the hole quicker.

To wrap it up, the Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel offers exceptional performance and durability and is one of our top choices for big and small game fishing in salt and freshwater.

Best Budget Surf Fishing Reel: Penn Battle III

I bought four PENN Battle reels for surf fishing a number of years ago. All four are still working well. I cleaned and lubed them on average twice per month. My PENN reels have lasted far longer than I ever thought they would.

There are 12 spinning reels in the Battle III lineup. Sizes are: BTLIII1000, BTLIII2000, BTLIII2500, BTLIII3000, BTLIII4000, BTLIII4000HS, BTLIII5000, BTLIII6000, BTLIII6000HS, BTLIII8000, BTLIII8000HS, and BTLIII10000. 'HS' stands for high speed and means the gear ratio is better for reeling in line (faster).

Features

Construction – Full metal body and side plate. Aluminum spool. CNC gears.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 1000 5.2:1 (22"), 2000 6.2:1 (30"), 2500 6.2:1 (33"), 3000 6.2:1 (35"), 4000 6.2:1 (37"), 4000HS 7.0:1 (43"), 5000 5.6:1 (36"), 6000 5.6:1 (41"), 6000HS 6.2:1 (47"), 8000 4.7:1 (38"), 8000HS 5.3:1 (44"), 10000 4.2:1 (43").
5+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 240 yd./40 lb. braid, 135 yd./20 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 25 lb. HT-100 carbon fiber discs and washers.
Weight – 18.8 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Price – At this price, you may be able to buy a few of them to use on the beach or from a fishing pier or bridge. These are budget reels that will last and take a beating.
Reliable – The PENN Battle III is a reliable reel that will give you your money's worth and then some.
Choices – The size choices are fantastic, and even offer the High Speed option which some anglers love for small inshore fish and bass fishing.

What We Don't Like

No Frills – There are literally no frills here, which is both good and bad. What you have is a basic reel that can catch fish consistently over time. You don't get any of the new tech fun stuff that we like as anglers in this era!

If you're looking for a very strong time-tested surf fishing spinning reel on a budget, the PENN Battle III is one the best available choices in the market. We've been very happy with ours for years.

Best Surf Fishing Reel Under $200: Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel

The Daiwa Saltist Reels come in a few sizes, we'll focus on talking about the SALTIST 5000 model spinning reel here. It's the only one you're likely to find for under $200.

The Saltist spinning series reels are meant to handle saltwater conditions at a budget price that won't break the bank. They have a strong aluminum frame and side plate and a waterproof ATD carbon disc drag. Special MagSeal technology keeps the inside dry and dirt-free.

The Saltist comes in these sizes – 2500, 3000, 4000, 4500, 5000, 6500, and 8000.

Features

Construction – Body and side plate are "HardBodyz" but they don't say what that is on the product page. With some sleuthing, I found out it's a lightweight aluminum-metal alloy.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 2500 5.6:1 (33.2"), 3000 5.6:1 (37.4"), 4000 5.7:1 (39.9"), 4500 5.7:1 (43.1"), 5000 5.7:1 (47.4"), 6500 5.3:1 (48.7"), 8000 5.3:1 (53.3").
8+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 360 yd./50 lb. braid, 380 yd./17 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 22lb. waterproof carbon.
Weight – 22.9 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

MagSeal – Saltist reels feature a MagSealed main shaft and line roller, and (CRBB) corrosion-resistant ball bearings, all of which increase durability. MagSeal utilizes magnetic liquid nano fluid to seal the interior of the rod from excess moisture.
Lightweight Rotor – The Air Rotor design is 15% lighter than ordinary rotor designs.
Spool – Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS spool.
Price – Depending on which size reel you choose, the price is around or under $200.

What We Don't Like

MagSeal could fail – We have 4 of these reals and the MagSeal failed on one of them, allowing saltwater to get into the reel.

The Saltist fishing reels are ideal for surf fishing. You're getting decades of experience plus some of the newest technology to keep the insides safe from contamination by saltwater and dirt. You'll get less corrosion and have more years of fishing with the same reel.

Best Shimano Reel for Surf Fishing: Shimano Stella SW C

Shimano Stella Sw C Saltwater Spinning Reel

The Shimano Stella series reels are all high-end spinning reels with excellent features and performance. The FJ and FK series can handle freshwater or saltwater. The SW C models are designed for heavy saltwater use and dreadful conditions.

All three Stella reels are built with the highest quality materials like a rigid metal Hagane body, X-Protect water-resistant tech, and an ultra-smooth and powerful drag system.

All reels also have the Silent Drive and MicroModule Gear technologies for butter-smooth and quiet operation. Gear ratio options are available to match exactly the type of fishing you do.

The Stella FK and FJ models have 7-24 lb. of maximum drag. The STLSW30000C has 62 lb. of drag available. That's probably more than what you need, and when did you ever have more drag than you need in a reel?

Add to that, the SW C models have a waterproof sealed drag and cold-forged Hagane gear system and a super-sized handle for hard cranking on big fish.

Stella SW C reels: STLSW10000PGC, STLSW14000XGC, STLSW18000HGC, STLSW20000PGC, STLSW30000C, STLSW4000XGC, STLSW5000HGC, STLSW6000HGC, STLSW8000HGC, STLSW8000PGC.

The first few characters stand for Stella Saltwater. At the end, PGC means Power Gearing Compact. XGC means Extra High Gearing Compact. HGC means High Gearing Compact.

Compact refers to the reel's size being somewhat smaller considering they fit a larger spool on a smaller body.

Features

Construction – Hagane full metal body. Hagane gears.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – SW C 4000XGC 6.2:1 (40"), 5000HGC 5.7:1 (38"), 6000HGC 5.7:1 (41"), 8000HGC 5.6:1 (42"), 8000PGC 4.9:1 (37"), 10000PGC 4.9:1 (40"), 14000XGC 6.2:1 (53"), 18000HGC 5.7:1 (51"), 20000PGC 4.4:1 (41"), 30000C 4.4:1 (52").
13+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 175 yd./40 lb. braid, 165 yd./14 lb. mono. (5000HGC)
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 24 to 62 lb. Cross Carbon drag.
Weight – SW C 12.5 to 34.4 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Fluid Retrieve – The smoothness of line retrieval and drag is mesmerizing on these Stella reels.
IPX8 Water Resistance – This very high water resistance covers submersion and the harshest saltwater conditions.
Heatsink Drag - Reduces the temperature of the spool by up to 100°F.
Legendary Reliability – One of the best reels ever made, is being made better all the time with each new release.
New Tech – There are 21 technologies listed on the Stella FW C page at Shimano. All focus on using high tech to prolong the use of your super-smooth reel and to keep it dry on the inside.

What We Don't Like

Price – The price is probably enough to shock you at least a little bit. This reel is not for everyone's budget. But if you're looking for the flagship offering of one of fishing's most respected brands, the Stella is certainly a fine choice.

Of all the people buying this reel, most of them call it one of their favorites, or THE favorite reel they've ever had. These reels are legendary in the fishing community.

These Shimano Stella reels are all excellent choices for serious anglers with the money to spend, but the specific model that's right for you depends on your fishing needs and budget. If you're mostly going to be in freshwater with occasional saltwater use, the Stella FK and FJ are possibly better choices. If you're more likely to use your Stella reel in harsh big-game offshore conditions, the SW C is the only reel for you.

Best Daiwa Reel for Surf Fishing: Daiwa Saltiga

What the Stella is to Shimano, the Saltiga is to Daiwa. The Saltiga reels have a bewildering amount of technological innovation and though we can't possibly cover it without an intense review, we'll cover the ones we like the most and that relate to you as a surf fishing enthusiast.

Here are the reels in the Saltiga line: 8000-H, 8000-P, 10000-H, 10000-P, 14000-P, 14000-XH, 18000-H, 18000-P, and 20000-H. We'll cover the smallest Saltiga reel they have, the 8000-H level for our sections below.

Features

Construction – One piece aluminum body. Aluminum handle, spool, and rotor.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 8000-P 4.8:1 (36.2"), 8000-H 5.8:1 (43.7"), 10000-P 5.8:1 (38.6"), 10000-H 5.8:1 (46.5"), 14000-P 5.8:1 (40.9"), 14000-XH 5.8:1 (52.8"), 18000-P 5.8:1 (39.8"), 18000-H 5.8:1 (51.6"), 20000-H 5.8:1 (56.3").
12+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 330 yds/16 lb mono, 330 yards/40 lb braid
Anti-Reverse
Drag – 55 lb. carbon fiber. (8000-H)
Weight – 23.1 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Smooth! The Saltiga is super smooth on retrieves and drag. It gives that premium feel that we're paying for. Some anglers buy these reels mostly for this reason. The feel of precision engineering is fantastic, and we've become somewhat addicted to it. Double-taper spool edges contribute to this feeling.
Drive Gear Strength – This latest 20Saltiga drive gear is double the strength of the old 15Saltiga reel.
MagSeal – The body, bearings, and line roller have all been sealed up with the MagSeal system. This reduces the amount of water that can reach crucial components.
Rotor – The Air Rotor is now double the strength of the previous 15Saltiga rotor.
Drag – They now have 14 washers/discs for drag, some of which help heat dissipation and the entire system contributes to longer durability.

What We Don't Like

Small Reel? There is a limited number of Saltiga reels in the line and the lineup is skewed toward the much heavier reels for offshore and deep sea fishing. We'd love to see a smaller 5000-level reel in the group.
Price – Like the Stella, the cost for this flagship Daiwa reel is ludicrous, but definitely worth it to some people! Imagine being able to buy the latest fishing reel technology and love your reel for the rest of your life. That's what Daiwa and Shimano are offering with their $1,000+ surf reels.

Here is a video showing all of the features of the Daiwa Saltiga.

If you want to use the most technologically advanced spinning reel that Daiwa makes, get the Saltiga. There is something almost magical about reels in this category, and there aren't many of them. There also aren't too many reels you can crank down on when reeling in a shark and know you're not even coming close to breaking something.

Thousand-dollar reels are not for everyone, but some of you will appreciate the quality factor here. These reels are made with the highest quality control standards and attention to detail. You'll definitely appreciate these things when you get your Saltiga in the mail.

Best Van Staal Reel for Surf Fishing: Van Staal X2

The best Van Staal reel for surf fishing is the X2 bail-less reel. Though not as pricey as the top-of-the-line Shimano or Daiwa spinning reel, this one is compatible and many say 'better.'

There are 14 reels in this line with these model numbers: VS100BX2, VS100SX2, VS150BX2, VS150SX2, VS151BX2, VS151SX2, VS200BX2, VS200SX2, VS201BX2, VS201SX2, VS250BX2, VS250SX2, VS300BX2, and VS300SX2.

The features we cover below will pertain to the VS300SX2 reels.

Features

Construction – Body, stem, and reel foot are 6061 aluminum. Main shaft is titanium. Gears are stainless steel.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – VS100BX2 5.4:1 (33.5"), VS100SX2 5.4:1 (33.5"), VS150BX2 4.75:1 (30"), VS150SX2 4.75:1 (30"), VS151BX2 4.75:1 (30"), VS151SX2 4.75:1 (30"), VS200BX2 4.25:1 (33.5"), VS200SX2 4.25:1 (33.5"), VS201BX2 4.25:1 (33.5"), VS201SX2 4.25:1 (33.5"), VS250BX2 4.25:1 (36.5"), VS250SX2 4.25:1 (36.5"), VS300BX2 5.1:1 (49.5"), and VS300SX2 5.1:1 (49.5").
7+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 480 yd./80 lb. braid, 470 yd./25 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 42 lb. carbon fiber
Weight – 27 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve - Specified by a '1' in the third numeral position (for example VS201BX2 is right hand and VS200BX2 is a left-hand reel)

What We Like

Brand – The Van Staal brand captured our hearts a few years back when the first guy on our team brought it in for show and tell. Talk about a well-made piece of metal! Van Staal reels are tank-like and built with high precision for that space-age feel you'll love the moment you crank it.
Smooth! Super smooth while reeling in fish of any size, this is part of what makes the reel so attractive to so many anglers across the world.
Line Capacity - Quite good.
Handle – Powergrip handle and drag knobs are easy to grab and comfortable.
Options – With bails, without bails, and left and right-hand options are all appreciated.
Design – Absolutely phenomenal aerospace-like design.

What We Don't Like

Price – We love the brand, and we love the reels, but we could buy a couple or a few PENN surf fishing reels for one of these. If you have the money, you should buy it. That should be your guide. You'll love it if you do buy it and you probably won't have any regrets at all.

Out of nowhere came a man on a mission to build surf fishing reels that worked great and lasted a long time. He was competing with companies that had been around long before him, and are still around today. Van Staal VS series reels are built on simplicity, versatility, and function using some of the best materials and engineering in the industry.

The X2 reels improve upon past VS reels by adding key improvements designed to take your fishing to the next level. The strength of these reels is unparalleled and the sealing is remarkable.

With smaller and faster reels, Van Staal quality can now be a part of more serious anglers' adventures.

Best Surf Fishing Reel Under $100: KastKing Sharky III

Click Here For Latest Price At Scheels

Every now and then a lesser-known reel manufacturer will throw a deal out there that catches a lot of attention, and ultimately is a great marketing idea because they become better known for quality reels and other gear.

KastKing appears to have done this with their KastKing Sharky III surf fishing reel. They not only are letting it go for under $100, but you can almost buy two of them for that!

The Sharky III comes in sizes 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000. We'll look at the 5000-size reel below.

Features

Construction – Body and rotor are carbon-reinforced graphite. Main shaft is oversized stainless-steel. Main and pinion gears are a manganese-brass alloy. Aluminum spool and handle.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 1000 5.2:1 (27.8"), 2000 5.2:1 (27.8"), 3000 5.2:1 (29.7"), 4000 5.2:1 (31.8") and 5000 5.2:1 (33.8").
10+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 190 yd./60 lb. braid, 190 yd./14 lb. mono.
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 39.5 lb. carbon fiber discs.
Weight – 10.6 oz.
Right or Left Retrieve

What We Like

Price – The price couldn't be any better. We haven't seen a deal like this on a reel of this quality for a long time. This is the power that small manufacturers have, they can cut out the margins on certain products and sell them like hotcakes.
Drag – 39.5 lb. of carbon fiber drag on their 4000 and 5000-level reels in this price range is quite good. Couple that with the other innovations and this reel is a no-brainer to pick up for really affordable backup reels.
Grips – The high-density EVA foam grips feel comfortable and have good wearability. Ours are in fine shape after 3 years of heavy surf fishing use.

What We Don't Like

You get what you pay for – While this reel will get the job done, it does not possess the same quality as the higher priced surf reels.

The KastKing brand makes all kinds of fishing gear and their reels have some nice features. We've had a couple of their reels for a couple of years, but we don't have any long-term data for them. We recommend them because it looks like they are wearing well and last much longer. If you don't feel comfortable buying the brand, no worries, just choose another reel from our group!

Best Conventional Reels For Surf Fishing

Best Overall: PENN Fathom II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel

Many anglers were awaiting the release of the 2nd edition PENN Fathom reels and most were not disappointed with what they got. These are tough saltwater reels, all aluminum and brass/stainless gears, with 30 lb. drag across the board, instant anti-reverse bearings, line capacity rings, and Live Spindle with free floating spool.

Key Features

The PENN Fathom II reels come in a variety of sizes and all have star drag with 30 lb. drag. There is no level wind on the reels. They come with quick access side plates for easy maintenance. All reels come with marine-grade brass main gear and stainless steel pinion. The 12 and 15 size reels come with a magnetic braking system with all other sizes getting centrifugal braking except the 8 level, which has no braking feature.

We use the 15 size for surf fishing and here is the box that our Penn Fathom II came in. You can see the weight and line capacity of the size 15 Fathom II

What We Like

We love how far you can cast this reel.
Wide Size Variety - 800 to 4000 (PENN labels these sizes 8 to 40).
All Aluminum Body.
30 lb. Drag – All reels have strong 30 lb. drag.
Quick Change Sideplates – "Fast Gear Access Sideplates" with 3 screw removal, allows easy access.
7 Ball Bearings.

What We Don't Like

Magnetic Spool Tension – Only for 12 and 15 size reels but would be great to have for all sizes.

Here's a video showing all of the features of the Penn Fathom II Conventional Surf Fishing Reel.

You can't go wrong with PENN saltwater reels, and some of us on the Fisherman's Authority team prefer them to all other reels. Their durability and strength are legendary and they are easy to clean and maintain.

Best Runner Up: PENN Squall II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel

Penn Squall II Conventional Fishing Reel

Click Here For Latest Price At Bass Pro

The PENN Squall II Star Drag reels are lightweight, strong, durable, made for saltwater, and come in 5 sizes (12, 15, 25, 30, and 40). They all have 6.1:1 gear ratios for fast retrieves and they are more affordable than the Fathom II reels from PENN.

Key Features

The Squall II all have graphite frames and Fast Gear Access Sideplates. Drag is 20 lb. for the smaller reels and 25 lb. for the 25 size and larger reels. The 15CS reel features upgraded spool bearings and knob mag dial.

What We Like

We love how lightweight this reels is. It is perfect for long days casting in the surf.
Lightweight Graphite – Slightly lighter than the Fathom II series reels.
Good 25 lb. Drag – For the 25, 30, and 40 reels.
7 Precision Bearings
Left Hand – Left hand placement available as an option.
Affordable – We love the price of this reel.

What We Don't Like

Strength – Though graphite is strong, it is not as strong as metal.

Best Baitcasting Reel for Surf Fishing: Daiwa Saltist

Daiwa Saltist Star Drag High Speed Baitcasting Reel

Click Here For Latest Price At Bass Pro

The Daiwa Saltist Star Drag comes in two different styles, Daiwa Saltist High Speed Reels and Power Gear Reels. The High Speed reels are all geared for rapid retrieval rate while the Power Gear reels have a lower gear ratio and a slower rate of line retrieval.

The Saltist Star Drag refers to the drag system being controlled by a spinning 5-prong star on the handle. This makes access quick and sure and many anglers prefer this drag system.

The Saltist series has a Spinning Reel and a Baitcasting Reel. We cover the spinning reel as our best Under $200 surf reel.

The Saltist Star Drag baitcasters have 11 reels in total. The 6 High Speed models are: SALTIST15H, SALTIST20H, SALTIST30H, SALTIST35H, SALTIST40H, and SALTIST50H.

The 5 Power Gear models are: SALTIST15P, SALTIST20P, SALTIST35P, SALTIST40P, and SALTIST50P

The Saltist Star Drag baitcasting reels have been engineered with the latest features and are lightweight and compact. Across the range, they'll hold from 12 to 50 lb. mono and up to 100 lb. braided line. The maximum drag for the three biggest Saltist Power Gear models is 25 lb. The star drag allows an uninhibited free spool, perfect for live-bait fishing or great for long casts.

Features

Construction – Body is machined aluminum with an anodized finish.
Gear Ratio and Retrieval Rate – 15H 6.4:1 (39.5"), 20H 6.4:1 (39.5"), 30H 6.4:1 (39.5"), 35H 6.4:1 (37.4"), 40H 6.4:1 (47.1"), 50H 6.4:1 (47.1"). 15P 5.1:1 (29.5"), 20P 5.1:1 (29.5"), 35P 5.1:1 (25.8"), 40P 5.1:1 (25.8"), 50P 5.1:1 (25.8").
The P at the end stands for Power. The H for High Speed. The XH for Extra High Speed.
4+1 Bearings
Spool Capacity – 360 yd./100 lb. braid, 310 yd./40 lb. mono. (SALTIST50P)
Instant Anti-Reverse
Drag – 25 lb.
Weight – 21.2 oz. (SALTIST50P)
Right Retrieve

What We Like

High Speed – The high speed models are ideal for fishing fast surf fishing lures when targeting species like mackerel, bluefish, tuna, etc.
Star Drag – The star drag system is great for longer casting. We always notice the difference.
Large handle – We really like the large handle, which helps to put pressure on big fish.

What We Don't Like

Right Side Handles – There are no left side handles.

The Saltist series is built for saltwater. Surf fishing, Jigging, reef fishing, inshore, offshore, whatever you choose. All you have to do is pick a size and a type. Do you need a High Speed or Power Gear reel? What size? If you'll be fishing for big and hard-fighting fish, go for the 50P model (5000 size).

All of the Saltist surf reels are tough and corrosion-resistant. The price is reasonable and the company is well known for producing top-of-the-line saltwater and freshwater reels for decades. It's truly one of the best surf fishing reels you can buy.

Best Lever Drag: Shimano SpeedMaster 2 Speed Lever Drag Saltwater Fishing Reel