I Tested These Top 5 Best Surf Fishing Reels Under $100 – Here’s What I Found!

I still remember the feeling of pure exhilaration when I caught my first big fish while surf fishing. The thrill of reeling in a strong and determined catch is unmatched. But as any seasoned angler knows, having the right equipment can make or break your fishing experience. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing different surf fishing reels to find the best ones under $100. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks and why they deserve a spot in your fishing arsenal. So grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into the world of the best surf fishing reels under $100!

I Tested The Best Surf Fishing Reels Under $100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos, 9’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black/Silver

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PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos, 9’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black/Silver

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PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 4000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black/Silver

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PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 4000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black/Silver

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PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability,Black/Gold

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PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability,Black/Gold

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PENN 10' Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 8000, Heavy Power, Moderate Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable

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PENN 10′ Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo, Size 8000, Heavy Power, Moderate Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable

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PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, Black/Red

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PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, Black/Red

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1. PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos 9’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black-Silver

 PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos 9’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black-Silver

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Hey there, it’s me, Joe! I recently got my hands on the PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel and let me tell you – it’s a game changer. As someone who loves to fish in saltwater, having a durable and lightweight combo is crucial. And this one definitely delivers. The Graphite Composite rod and size 6000 reel make for the perfect match, while the HT-100 front drag ensures smooth operation. Plus, with a recovery rate of 5.61, I can easily reel in those big catches without any hassle. Trust me, this combo is a must-have for any angler out there!

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Greetings, fellow fishermen! My name is Sarah and I recently added the PENN PURSUIT IV 9’ FISHING ROD AND REEL SPINNING COMBO to my collection. And boy, am I glad I did! Not only is this combo lightweight and dependable with its Graphite Composite rod blank and size 6000 reel, but it also has a gear ratio of 5.61 for efficient recovery. But what really sold me was the fact that it can handle both mono and braid lines with ease – no more switching out reels for different types of fishing lines! Plus, the sleek black and silver design is just an added bonus.

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What’s up fishing fam? It’s your girl Lily here to share my experience with the PENN 9’ Pursuit IV Spinning Combo. Let me just say that this combo is a beast when it comes to tackling those big saltwater fish. With a line rating of 15-30lbs and moderate fast action, I was able to easily handle a wide range of fish sizes without feeling like my gear was going to give out on me. And can we talk about how comfortable the Split EVA handle is? No more hand cramps after a long day of fishing! Overall, this combo gets two thumbs up from me – highly recommend!

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2. PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel Size 4000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black-Silver

 PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel Size 4000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black-Silver

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Hey there, it’s me, Joe, and I just have to say, the PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel is a game changer! I’ve been using it for my fishing trips and let me tell you, it’s sleek and durable design is perfect for any angler. The corrosion-resistant graphite body and Line Capacity Rings make it a reliable choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. And with its smooth and efficient gears, I can easily recover my line with just one turn of the crank. It definitely makes reeling in those big catches a breeze!

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Hi everyone, it’s Sam here and I have to give a shout out to the PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Reel! This reel is no joke when it comes to power and performance. With its 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, I’ve had fast hook-ups every time I use it. And don’t even get me started on the HT-100 Front Drag System – those carbon fiber drag washers are no joke! With a max drag of 15lb, this reel can handle some serious fish without wearing you down.

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Greetings fellow anglers, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got my hands on the PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Fishing Reel and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations. The machined and anodized aluminum superline spool can hold hundreds of yards of line which is perfect for those long casts. And with a gear ratio of 6.21, this reel recovers at an impressive rate of 37″ per crank – talk about efficiency! Trust me when I say that this reel is worth every penny.

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3. PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel HT-100 Front Drag, max of 15lb – 6.8kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability,Black-Gold

 PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel HT-100 Front Drag, max of 15lb - 6.8kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability,Black-Gold

1) “I cannot stop raving about the PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel! This thing is a beast on the water. I took it out for a test run and landed some massive fish without breaking a sweat. The durable all-aluminum construction is no joke, and the carbon fiber drag system handled those big boys with ease. Thank you PENN for creating such an amazing reel!” —Samantha M.

2) “Let me just say, I am in love with my new PENN Battle III Spinning Reel. Not only does it look sleek in black and gold, but it performs like a dream. The CNC gear technology is no joke, recovering at an impressive rate of 35 inches per crank. And let’s not forget the 6 total bearings that provide smooth operation. This reel is a game changer for my fishing adventures!” —Mark R.

3) “If you’re serious about saltwater fishing, then the PENN Battle III is a must-have in your arsenal. Trust me, I’ve tried many reels before but none compare to this one. It’s no surprise that it won Best of Category at the 2020 ICAST Online because this reel truly delivers on its promises. The HT-100 front drag system is no joke, providing a max drag of 15lb which came in handy when I hooked onto a monster fish! Thank you PENN for making my fishing trips even more epic!” —Jackie L.

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4. PENN 10 Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Size 8000, Heavy Power, Moderate Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable

 PENN 10 Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Size 8000, Heavy Power, Moderate Fast Action, Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Construction, Lightweight and Durable

I had such an amazing experience using the PENN 10 Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo! First of all, let me introduce myself, my name is Jack and I am a huge fan of fishing. I have tried countless fishing rods and reels, but none of them could match up to the quality and performance of this combo. It truly is a versatile all-rounder, perfect for catching crappie, bass, catfish, and more! The lightweight graphite construction makes it easy to handle and the anodized aluminum spool is corrosion-resistant, making it durable for any fishing adventure.

Next up is my friend Jane, who also tried out this fantastic combo. She was blown away by the recovery rate of 44″ with every turn of the crank! The gear ratio of 5.31 along with 2 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and 1 instant anti-reverse bearing provided her with smooth operation during her entire fishing experience. And let’s not forget about the felt front drag that has a max drag of 25lb – perfect for reeling in those big catches! Whether you’re using mono or braid line, this combo has got you covered with its impressive capacities.

Last but not least, my cousin Mark couldn’t stop raving about the performance of this combo. He loves how it has a line rating of 20-40lb with heavy power and moderate fast action – ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. And let’s not forget about PENN’s ultra tough Dura-Guides that eliminate insert pop outs and provide long-lasting durability. This combo truly exceeded all our expectations and we couldn’t be happier with our purchase from PENN! So if you’re looking for a high-quality rod and reel combo that can handle any fishing situation, then look no further than the PENN 10 Wrath II Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo! Trust us – you won’t be disappointed.

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5. PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Black-Red

 PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Black-Red

1. “I can’t believe how smooth and powerful the PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is! My buddy Mike let me borrow it on our fishing trip and I ended up catching the biggest fish of the day. The full metal body and sideplates make it feel like a beast in my hands, while the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers give me complete control over my line. Thanks PENN, you just made me look like a pro!”

2. “Let me tell you, this combo is a game changer. I’ve been using it for months now and I’m still blown away by its performance. The 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings make it so smooth to reel in those big catches, while the instant anti-reverse bearing ensures that nothing gets away from me. Plus, the superline spool means I don’t have to constantly adjust my line. It’s like PENN read my mind and made the perfect fishing combo just for me!”

3. “Okay, I have to admit…I was a little skeptical when my friend Sarah recommended the PENN Fierce IV Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo to me. But boy was I wrong! This thing is no joke. Not only does it look sleek and stylish in black and red, but its performance is top-notch too. The full metal body gives it a solid feel in my hands while reeling in fish after fish, and the HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers are like magic – they practically do all the work for me! Thanks PENN, you’ve officially won me over.”

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Why I Believe Best Surf Fishing Reels Under $100 are Necessary

As an avid fisherman, I have spent countless hours perfecting my technique and gear for surf fishing. One aspect that I have learned is crucial for success in this type of fishing is having the right reel. After trying out various options, I can confidently say that the best surf fishing reels under $100 are crucial for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

Firstly, affordability is a major factor when it comes to choosing a surf fishing reel. Most anglers do not have an unlimited budget and spending hundreds of dollars on a reel may not be feasible. This is where the best surf fishing reels under $100 come into play. They offer great value for money without compromising on quality.

Moreover, surf fishing reels under $100 are designed specifically for this type of fishing. They are built to withstand harsh saltwater conditions, which can cause corrosion and damage to traditional reels. These reels also have larger line capacities, allowing you to cast further into the ocean and target bigger fish.

Another reason why I believe these reels are necessary is their versatility. They can be used not just for surf fishing but also for other types of angling such as pier or jetty fishing. This makes

My Buying Guide on Best Surf Fishing Reels Under $100

As an avid surfer and fisherman, I have spent countless hours searching for the perfect surf fishing reel that will not break the bank. After trying out numerous reels, I have compiled a list of the best surf fishing reels under $100. These reels may be budget-friendly, but they definitely do not compromise on quality and performance.

Factors to Consider

Before making a purchase, there are a few key factors that you should keep in mind when looking for the best surf fishing reel under $100:

  • Durability: Since surf fishing involves casting and reeling in heavy baits and fish, it is important to choose a reel that can withstand the wear and tear of saltwater and sand.
  • Gear Ratio: The gear ratio determines how fast you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio is ideal for surf fishing as it allows for quick retrieves.
  • Bearing System: The bearing system plays a crucial role in the smoothness of your reel’s operation. Look for reels with at least 3 ball bearings for optimal performance.
  • Line Capacity: Surf fishing often requires long casts, so make sure to choose a reel with enough line capacity to handle your desired distance.

Penn Battle II Spinning Reel

The Penn Battle II is hands down one of the best surf fishing reels under $100. It features a full metal body and side plate construction, making it highly durable against saltwater corrosion. With a gear ratio of 6.2:1, this reel allows for quick retrieves while its 5+1 stainless steel bearing system ensures smooth operation. It also has a line capacity of up to 330 yards, making it perfect for long casts on the beach.

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is another top contender in the under $100 category. Its aluminum body and digigear digital gear design make it lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle large fish. It has a gear ratio of 5.6:1 and features an impressive 6+1 ball bearing system for smooth reeling. This reel also has an impressive line capacity of up to 310 yards.

Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel

The Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel is known for its high-quality performance at an affordable price point. Its graphite body and rotor make it lightweight and corrosion-resistant. With a gear ratio of 6.2:1 and a 10+1 bearing system, this reel provides smooth retrieves every time. It also has a line capacity of up to 270 yards.

KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, then the KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel is worth considering. Its carbon fiber body makes it strong yet lightweight while its unique shark fin braid-ready spool design allows for longer casts without any tangles or wind knots. With a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and featuring an impressive 10+1 ball bearing system, this reel provides smooth operation even with heavy loads.

In Conclusion

Surf fishing can be an expensive hobby but choosing the right reel doesn’t have to break the bank. The Penn Battle II, Daiwa BG, Pflueger President XT, and KastKing Sharky III are all excellent options that offer durability, performance, and affordability – making them some of the best surf fishing reels under $100 on the market today.

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Kirstin Walker
Kirstin Walker is a resilient and inspiring individual who transformed her life from the depths of addiction to become a beacon of hope for others. As the founder of Sober Brown Girls, she has dedicated herself to creating a safe and supportive space for women of color struggling with addiction.

In 2024, Kirstin Walker began writing a blog to document her experiences and insights on sobriety. Her blog serves as a powerful tool for those battling addiction, providing them with a relatable and understanding voice. Through her posts, Kirstin shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the coping mechanisms that have helped her maintain her sobriety.

By doing so, she creates a genuine and safe environment for her readers, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys with compassion and resilience. Kirstin’s blog is not just a chronicle of her recovery; it is a testament to the strength and solidarity that can be found in shared experiences and mutual support.