Best Conventional Reel For Surf Fishing (2024 Updated)

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If you're an avid surf fisherman, you know that the right equipment can make all the difference in your fishing experience. A good conventional reel is essential for surf fishing, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. In this article, we'll discuss the key factors to consider when searching for the best conventional reel for surf fishing.

First, consider the reel's line capacity. Surf fishing requires a lot of line, so you'll want a reel that can hold at least 300 yards of line. Second, look for a reel with a high gear ratio. This will allow you to retrieve your line quickly, which is important when you're dealing with strong currents and big fish.

Third, consider the reel's drag system. You'll want a reel with a smooth, strong drag system that can handle the power of big fish. Fourth, look for a reel with a corrosion-resistant construction. Saltwater can be tough on reels, so you'll want one that can withstand the elements.

Finally, consider the price. While you don't want to skimp on quality, you also don't want to overspend on features you don't need. Look for a reel that fits your budget and meets your specific needs.

Overall, finding the best conventional reel for surf fishing requires careful consideration of line capacity, gear ratio, drag system, construction, and price. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to find a reel that will help you reel in big fish and enjoy your time on the water.

10 Best Conventional Reel For Surf Fishing

1. Penn Squall Ii Star Drag Combo, Black/gold, 30 Reel Size – 7' Medium 1pc Rod (Sqlii30sd2040c70)

The PENN Fishing Penn Squall II Star Drag Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is an exceptional tool for anglers looking for a reliable and efficient fishing experience. This combo comes in a sleek black and gold design with a 30 reel size and a 7-foot medium 1pc rod.

The reel features a sturdy graphite frame and sideplates that provide excellent durability and strength. The Fast Gear Access Side Plate allows for quick and easy access to the gears, enabling anglers to make quick adjustments on the fly. The Live Spindle with Free Floating Spool ensures that the line is always in contact with the spool, resulting in increased casting distance and accuracy.

The reel also boasts a 6+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings system that delivers smooth and effortless casting and retrieval. The shielded bearings protect the reel from saltwater and debris, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.

The fishing rod is built with a tubular graphite composite blank that delivers exceptional strength and sensitivity. The medium action rod is perfect for catching a variety of fish species, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced anglers.

Overall, the PENN Fishing Penn Squall II Star Drag Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is an excellent investment for anglers who demand reliability, durability, and performance. Whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this combo is sure to deliver exceptional results.

2. Penn Fishing Squall Ii Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel, Black Gold, Sqlii15sd (Sqlii15sd)

The PENN Fishing Squall II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel is a high-quality option for anglers looking for a reliable and durable reel. With a sleek black and gold design, this reel is not only functional but also stylish.

Constructed with a graphite frame and sideplates, the Squall II is both lightweight and sturdy. The main gear is made of high-strength marine grade bronze alloy, while the pinion gear is made of stainless steel, ensuring the reel can handle heavy loads and resist corrosion over time.

One unique feature of the Squall II is the Live Spindle with free floating spool, which allows the spool to spin independently of the spindle, resulting in less friction and longer casts. Additionally, the Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers provides smooth drag performance, allowing anglers to easily adjust the drag to match their specific fishing needs.

Overall, the PENN Fishing Squall II Star Drag Conventional Fishing Reel is a top-of-the-line option for anglers who demand high performance and durability from their gear.

3. Penn Battalion Ii Surf Casting Rod, 12ft, 2pc, 25-50lb Line, Graphite Composite, Black/gold.

The PENN 12’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod is a premium fishing rod designed for strength, performance, and dependability. This two-piece graphite composite fishing rod is built to win the battle with its light weight and moderate fast rod action.

With a 25-50lb line rating and heavy power, the Battalion II rod is strong, yet flexible, making it perfect for catching big fish. Its lure rating of 6-12 ounces is ideal for saltwater fishing, and its durable Graphite Composite construction ensures years of service.

The PENN 12’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod features nine Fuji Alconite guides that withstand rough treatment while keeping lines strong under tension in both fresh and saltwater environments. These guides are designed to provide a smooth and reliable experience for anglers, ensuring maximum casting distance and accuracy.

In addition, the Battalion II rod comes with a Fuji Graphite Reel Seat that provides a lightweight and dependable anchor point for the reel. This ensures that the reel stays firmly in place, even when you're battling big fish. The rubber shrink tube rod butt also helps you stay in control when you're fighting your catch.

Overall, the PENN 12’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod is an excellent fishing rod for serious anglers. Its strength, performance, and dependability make it a top choice for saltwater fishing, and its premium guides and reel seat ensure that it will be a reliable companion for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, the PENN 12’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod is a great investment that will help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.

4. Berkley Glowstik Surf Conventional Reel And Fishing Rod Combo, Black/red/smoke, 10' – Medium Heavy

The Berkley Glowstik Surf Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is an exceptional product designed with high-quality materials to enhance your fishing experience. This combo unit features a 10-foot medium-heavy fiberglass blank construction, which is highly durable and can withstand the toughest fishing conditions.

The rod also comes equipped with stainless steel guides that have Titanium oxide inserts, providing you with a smooth and effortless casting experience. These guides are corrosion-resistant, ensuring that you can use the rod in saltwater environments without worrying about rust or corrosion.

The full rubberized shrink-wrapped handles make it easy to grip the rod even when your hands are wet. This feature ensures that you have a comfortable and secure grip on the rod, even when you are battling a big fish.

One of the standout features of this combo unit is the one-touch battery-operated red LED core. This core provides you with a bright red light that illuminates the rod, making it easy to see in low light conditions. This feature is particularly useful when fishing at night or early in the morning when the light is low.

The reel that comes with this combo unit features one stainless steel corrosion-resistant bearing. This bearing ensures that the reel operates smoothly and efficiently, providing you with a seamless fishing experience.

Overall, the Berkley Glowstik Surf Conventional Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is an excellent choice for any angler looking for a high-quality, durable, and reliable fishing rod and reel. Whether you are fishing in saltwater or freshwater, this combo unit is sure to provide you with the performance you need to catch the big one.

5. Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Fishing Reel For Various Species And Environments.

The Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Fishing Reel is a versatile and reliable tool designed for serious anglers who are after big fish like catfish, salmon/steelhead, striper bass, pike, and inshore surf species. This reel is specially crafted to provide all the necessary features and functions required by trophy hunters who want to conquer the beasts of the deep.

With its robust construction, the Sougayilang TSSD conventional round trolling reel is a perfect weapon for bottom fishing, trolling offshore, and other freshwater and saltwater fishing techniques. Its large line capacity can easily handle braided or monofilament lines required for targeting large species. This reel has been optimized for strength, durability, and performance, making it an ideal choice for those who demand the best from their fishing gear.

The Sougayilang TSSD reel is equipped with a corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearing system that ensures smooth operation and reduces friction. The adjustable magnetic brake system and centrifugal brake system allow for maximum casting distance and accuracy, even in windy conditions. The reel also features a comfortable EVA handle grip that provides a secure and comfortable grip during long fishing trips.

This round baitcasting reel is an excellent gift for fathers, sons, husbands, friends, and boyfriends for important holidays such as Christmas and New Year. With its superior quality and outstanding performance, the Sougayilang TSSD reel is sure to provide a more pleasant fishing experience for any angler. So, if you're looking for a reliable and versatile fishing reel that can handle the toughest fishing conditions, the Sougayilang Round Baitcasting Fishing Reel is the perfect choice for you.

6. Penn Battalion Ii Surf Casting Rod – 10', 2-Piece Graphite Composite, 12-20lb Line Rating, Conventional Casting, Black/gold.

The PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod is a premium fishing rod that offers strength, performance, and dependability to anglers who are looking to win the battle against their catch. This two-piece graphite composite fishing rod is designed to handle the toughest saltwater conditions, making it the perfect choice for anglers who are looking for a high-quality fishing rod that can withstand the harsh realities of saltwater fishing.

With a 12-20lb line rating and a medium power, moderate-fast action, the Battalion II rod is both strong and flexible. It has a lure rating of 1-4 ounces, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing applications, including surfcasting, pier fishing, and boat fishing.

One of the key features of the Battalion II rod is its durable graphite composite construction. This material is known for its strength and durability, making it perfect for use in saltwater environments where corrosion and wear can be major issues. The rod also features eight Fuji Alconite guides, which are designed to withstand rough treatment while keeping lines strong under tension in both fresh and saltwater environments.

The Fuji graphite reel seat is another standout feature of the Battalion II rod. This lightweight and dependable anchor point for the reel provides anglers with a secure and stable base for their fishing reels, ensuring that they can fish with confidence and control. The rubber shrink tube rod butt is another useful feature that helps anglers stay in control when battling their catch.

Overall, the PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod is a top-of-the-line fishing rod that offers anglers the strength, performance, and dependability they need to catch the biggest and toughest fish in the ocean. With its premium guides, reel seats, and graphite composite construction, this rod is built to provide years of service, making it a great investment for any serious saltwater angler.

7. 10' Penn Squadron Iii Surf Conventional Rod, Titanium/red/gold, Medium, 2pc.

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is a high-quality, durable fishing rod designed for surf fishing enthusiasts. This rod features a 10-foot length and is constructed from a graphite composite blank, which provides exceptional sensitivity, strength, and responsiveness. The blank is finished in a striking titanium, red, and gold color scheme, making it both functional and visually appealing.

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is equipped with PENN Dura-Guides, which are designed to provide maximum durability and support for your fishing line. These guides are made from high-quality materials and are designed to minimize friction, ensuring that your line moves smoothly and effortlessly through the rod.

The rod also features a graphite reel seat, which provides a secure and stable platform for your fishing reel. This reel seat is designed to accommodate most conventional fishing reels, making it a versatile option for a wide range of fishing styles and techniques.

The PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is finished with rubber shrink tube handles, which provide a comfortable and secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. These handles are designed to reduce fatigue and provide excellent control, making it easier to reel in even the toughest fish.

Overall, the PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is an excellent choice for surf fishing enthusiasts who demand the best in performance and durability. With its high-quality construction, advanced features, and striking design, this rod is sure to provide years of reliable service and exceptional fishing experiences.

8. Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover, Medium, Black

The Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is a must-have accessory for any angler who wants to protect their valuable conventional and bait casting reels. This reel cover is made of neoprene material, which is known for its absorbent and protective properties. The cover is designed to fit snugly around the reel, protecting it from bumps and scratches.

The neoprene material used in the Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is stretchy, which makes it easy to slip on and off the reel. Additionally, the cover is constructed of a 2-tone 3mm impact resistant neoprene material, which makes it durable and long-lasting.

One of the best features of this reel cover is that it can be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. This makes it easy to protect your reel when it's not in use, without having to take it off the rod. The design of the cover is sleek and simple, making it a great addition to any angler's gear.

The Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is available in medium size and black color. It is perfect for protecting your reels from scratches, bumps, and other types of damage that can occur during transportation or storage. The cover is also great for keeping your reels clean and free of dirt and debris.

Overall, the Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is an excellent investment for any angler who wants to protect their reels. It is made of high-quality materials, is easy to use, and provides excellent protection against damage. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, this reel cover is a must-have accessory for your fishing gear.

9. Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover; Medium; Black

The Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is the perfect accessory to protect your valuable conventional and bait casting reels. Made with high-quality 2-tone 3mm impact-resistant neoprene material, this reel cover is designed to absorb and protect your reels from bumps and scratches.

The neoprene material used in the construction of this cover is stretchy and slips on easily, making it effortless to use. With its all-sides neoprene design, this reel cover ensures maximum protection for your reel, whether it is on or off the rod. The material not only offers excellent protection against scratches and bumps but also provides an added layer of insulation to keep your reel safe from the elements.

Whether you're an avid angler or occasional fisherman, the Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is a must-have accessory for any fishing enthusiast. This cover is designed to fit medium-sized reels and comes in a sleek black color. Its minimalist design ensures that it doesn't take up too much space and fits easily into your fishing tackle box.

In addition to its protective features, the Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is also incredibly durable. The neoprene material used in its construction is known for its strength and resilience, making it an ideal material for outdoor gear. This reel cover is built to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use and is sure to last you for years to come.

Overall, if you're looking for a reliable and effective way to protect your fishing reel, the Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover is an excellent choice. Its high-quality construction, easy-to-use design, and superior protection make it a must-have accessory for any fishing enthusiast. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, grab your Shimano Neoprene Reel Cover today and fish with confidence.

10. Penn Carnage Iii Surf Conventional Fishing Rod

The PENN Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is a high-quality fishing rod that is designed for surf and shore fishing. This product is built with the latest technology to ensure that it delivers excellent performance and durability to anglers.

One of the key features of this fishing rod is the SLS3 blank construction. This technology integrates graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass to create a lightweight yet durable blank that provides excellent sensitivity and power. This construction also ensures that the rod can handle the stress and strain of surf fishing.

The PENN Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod also features Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides with SiC inserts. These guides are designed to minimize line tangles and improve casting distance and accuracy. The SiC inserts are also highly resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for use in saltwater environments.

The Fuji DPS reel seat is another feature that sets this fishing rod apart from others in its class. This reel seat is designed to securely hold your reel in place, preventing it from slipping or moving during use. This feature ensures that you have complete control over your fishing line, allowing you to make precise casts and retrieves.

The PENN Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod also features custom full rubberized shrink-wrapped handles. These handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when your hands are wet or slippery. The full rubberized construction also ensures that the handles are highly resistant to damage from saltwater and other environmental factors.

Overall, the PENN Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is a top-of-the-line product that is perfect for anglers who demand the best from their fishing gear. With its advanced construction and innovative features, this fishing rod is sure to provide years of reliable use and exceptional performance. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, the PENN Carnage III Surf Conventional Fishing Rod is a must-have for any serious fisherman.

Best Conventional Reel For Surf Fishing FAQs

Are there any specific models of conventional reels that are highly recommended for surf fishing?

Yes, there are several conventional reels that are highly recommended for surf fishing. Some of the popular models include the Penn Squall Lever Drag, Shimano Torium, Daiwa Saltist, and Avet SXJ. These reels are designed to handle the harsh conditions of surf fishing, and offer features such as high drag capacity, corrosion-resistant materials, and smooth retrieval systems. The Penn Squall Lever Drag, for example, has a durable graphite frame and side plates, as well as a powerful drag system that can handle large fish. The Shimano Torium is known for its smooth and consistent drag, while the Daiwa Saltist has a strong aluminum frame and a high-speed retrieve. The Avet SXJ is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for long casting distances. Ultimately, the best conventional reel for surf fishing will depend on the angler's specific needs and preferences.

How many ball bearings should a good surf fishing reel have?

The number of ball bearings required for a good surf fishing reel depends on the model and type of reel being used. Generally, a good surf fishing reel should have at least 4-6 ball bearings to provide smooth and efficient operation. However, high-end models may have up to 10-12 ball bearings, which offer even smoother performance and ensure the gear train is well-supported.

It's important to note that the number of ball bearings is not the only factor that determines a reel's performance. Other factors such as the quality of materials used, the drag system, gear ratio, and line capacity also play a crucial role in determining how well a reel performs in surf fishing.

In conclusion, while the number of ball bearings is a crucial factor in determining a good surf fishing reel, it's equally important to consider other factors such as the quality of materials, drag system, gear ratio, and line capacity to ensure you have the best reel for your needs.

What are the key features to look for in a conventional reel for surf fishing?

When it comes to surf fishing, a conventional reel is a must-have tool for any angler. Here are some key features to look for when choosing the best reel for surf fishing:

1. Line Capacity: Surf fishing requires a lot of line, so make sure the reel has a large line capacity to accommodate the long casts and deep water.

2. Gear Ratio: A higher gear ratio allows for a faster retrieve and helps to pick up the line quickly, which is crucial when fighting bigger fish.

3. Drag System: A smooth and strong drag system is essential for surf fishing, as you need to be able to control the fish and prevent it from running off with your line.

4. Line Retrieval: Look for a reel with a fast line retrieval rate, which will make it easier to retrieve your line quickly and efficiently.

5. Durability: Surf fishing can be tough on gear, so choose a reel that is built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.

By considering these key features, you can choose the best conventional reel for surf fishing that will help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.

What is the ideal gear ratio for a surf fishing reel?

The ideal gear ratio for a surf fishing reel depends on the type of fish being caught and the angler's personal preference. Generally, a higher gear ratio (6:1 or higher) is preferred for quick retrieves and targeting fast-moving species such as tuna or jacks. A lower gear ratio (4:1 or lower) is better for exerting more power when reeling in larger species such as sharks or stingrays. However, a moderate gear ratio (5:1 or 4.5:1) is often the best compromise for surf fishing, as it offers a good balance of speed and power. Ultimately, the ideal gear ratio for a surf fishing reel is subjective and can vary based on the angler's experience level, fishing style, and target species.

Which brand offers the best conventional reel for surf fishing?

It is difficult to pinpoint one brand that offers the best conventional reel for surf fishing as personal preferences and fishing conditions can vary greatly. However, some popular brands that are known for their quality surf fishing reels include Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia.

When selecting a surf fishing reel, factors such as line capacity, drag system, and corrosion resistance should be considered. A reel with a high line capacity can handle the long casts often required for surf fishing, while a strong and reliable drag system is crucial for fighting large fish in rough surf. Additionally, reels with anti-corrosion features can help prolong the lifespan of the reel when exposed to saltwater.

Ultimately, it is important to do research and read reviews from experienced surf fishermen to find a reel that fits your specific needs and preferences.

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