Top 5 Best Spinning Reels for Surf Fishing of 2023 – Best Guide

1. Penn 1481283 Conflict li

Why We Love It

• Coming from a well-known brand, the Conflict li has a full metal body that is durable and long-lasting
• Moreover, the powerful CNC gear technology provides great functionality and speed.
• Also, the sturdy carbon fiber drag washers allow you to fight big fish without breaking the line

This black beast by PENN is the first choice of professional anglers in surf fishing.

O great!

As the name suggests, the Conflict li will fight with those huge saltwater fishes with its long-distance casting abilities and size 5000.

Plus, you are provided with a good number of ball bearings, which are 7+1, perfect for a smooth performance.

The most attractive features,

Also, the Conflict li feature is a great instant anti-reverse feature because of that one roller bearing provided, which stops the handle and spool from rotating and prevents the line from tangling.

What makes it more special?

A carbon fiber drag washer provides a powerful force for surf fishing and a max drag of 20 lbs.

Therefore, it’s a superb choice for surf fishing. 

Opinion

As the Conflict li top the list of best spinning reels for surf fishing, it won’t disappoint you in any way. It has an overall best performance. Moreover, the specialty is its long casting length due to the tall and shallow spool, which helps unspool the line quickly.

However, if you are a fan of auto bail, this one is not for you as it has manual bail. Moreover, many Conflict li users have encountered the anti-reverse problem. 

2. Tsunami SaltX Spinning Reels

Why We Love It

• You don’t have to worry about the corrosion of the spinning reel because it is fully sealed and water-resistant. 
• Moreover, it has the highest max drag force amongst all reels, which is 50 lbs and more than enough for surf fishing.
• The small yet durable body makes the SaltX manageable with its lightweight construction.

With a strong and sturdy aluminum build, the SaltX by Tsunami can be a good companion for your next onshore fishing trip.

Are you ready for the next trip?

Like the first one, the SaltX also has seven stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth performance with no friction.

They have also provided a single roller bearing that works instantly when you click the button.

The next lines are going to surprise you.

The max drag of whooping 50 lbs is more than enough to stop any big fish, making the reel worth its price.

We also learned that the SaltX retrieve is much faster and smoother than any other reel because of the high gear ratio of 5.3:1.

As a result,

If you want to be a serious angler, get this one.

Opinion

The SaltX did perform well in every condition we put it through; from the start to the end of our testing, it performed consistently while giving a smooth and hassle-free performance.

Moreover, the 6000 size makes it the best surf fishing reel. However, it is expensive, so you have to break your savings for that, but we assure you, it’s worth the price as it will last longer and give you a great surf fishing experience. 

3. Daiwa SSaltist Spinning Reel

Why We Love It

• The SSaltist has a high gear ratio of 5.7:1 which is too fast, and can retrieve line within seconds 
• Also, the ABS spool design provides great working and doesn’t let the line tangle 
• Moreover, the size of the SSaltist ranges from 2500 up to 8000, so you have the freedom to get one according to your likes.

Daiwa is a well-known brand amongst anglers for its high-quality fish tackle; the SSaltist also comes in this category.

What is the strategy behind composition?

It has a graphite and aluminum body which makes it durable and long-lasting. Plus, the 9-ball bearings with corrosion-resistant coating provide incredibly smooth performance while casting.

Other than that, the unique air rotor design is said to lower the weight of the spinning reel. 

Exploring it more,

You will receive an instant anti-reverse feature to improve your reeling experience as a beginner.

However, you will require a strong set of hands to handle the SSaltist all day because it’s much heavier than a standard reel.

Otherwise, it’s a great option if you require the best long-cast surf spinning reel. 

Opinion

The SSaltist is a great option if you always look for quality over price because it’s expensive as compared to other spinning reels but it’s worth it. The smoothness paired with fast retrieve is unmatchable at this price range.

Moreover, the slip-proof design ensures it stays in your hand.
However, it’s way too heavy and doesn’t fit in our category of ultralight spinning reels. Therefore, it’s up to you, if you have the experience of handling heavy reels definitely go for the SSaltist. 

4. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel

Why We Love It

• Looks great and also has a durable full metal body, so it won’t break, unlike that cheap graphite reels 
• You can get a size up to 12000D, which is perfect for surf fishing and offshore fishing.
• Similarly, the max drag of 20 lbs is more than enough for it to be the best surf fishing reel 

If you want a one-time investment, go for the best Shimano surf fishing reel Baitrunner D.

We know,

It’s expensive but won’t let you pay anything more for at least two years. We found it heavy, and an average angler may get fatigued by simply holding the fishing rod with this reel for more than an hour. 

Surprisingly,

The gear ratio of 4.8:1 provides a good retrieve. Yet we can’t say the best as many faster reels are available, but it’s good. Also, the drag works finely.

What makes the Baitrunner stand out is its incomparable build quality.

Lastly, the 6 stainless steel ball bearings give a smooth performance. 

Opinion

If you have a good budget and are a fan of heavy spinning reels, the Shimano Baitrunner D is the best option for you as it will be a nice companion for your next inshore fishing trip and specializes in snapper fishing.
Plus, Shimano is a trusted brand so you can invest your hard-earned money in this best spinning reel for surf fishing with a blind eye. Although it’s heavier, do make sure you can handle its weight. 

5. Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel

Why We Love It

• The Ultegra comes with a GFree body which will never let you feel the reel’s negligible weight on the rod.
• Moreover, the line management system makes sure that the line gets spooled properly and never gets tangled
• Lastly, the stainless steel handle won’t break while handling big fish or even if you try it on purpose

One more spinning reel by Shimano can easily compete with those big sea monsters.

That’s good!

This Ultegra is known to be one of Australia’s best surf fishing reels for its amazing build quality and capability to handle huge saltwater fish.

Plus, it provides powerful Hagane gears exclusively found in Shimano reels. Also, it’s fully metal bodied.

Other amazing features,

Moreover, the aluminum spool lip design ensures the line doesn’t get tangled or wind knots won’t form.

You can also control the friction easily with its instant front drag. So your line won’t break anytime.

The size here is 5500, which is ideal for surf fishing. Therefore, you should go for this one, as it’s the best spinning reel for surf fishing 2023. 

Opinion

People searching for a cool-looking and best-working spinning reel would be delighted to have the Ultegra by their side for their next surf fishing trip. Shimano did not disappoint us in any manner, and so it won’t do to you too.

However, it’s overpriced because many other options are cheaper. Although they have their cons, check them once. Otherwise, it’s also a great choice and totally up to you.