Surfcasting Rods

Surfcasting Rods Buyer’s Guide

The surfcasting rods in this range cover two different designs: lightweight telescopic rods that pack down to under 90cm, and a traditional 4.2m three-piece rod with a higher 100-200g casting rating. Which is best depends on transport, rod length and the weight of the surfcasting rigs you intend to cast.

Comparing Our Surfcasting Rods

Rod	Packed Length	Weight	Casting Rating	Best Suited To
3.6m Telescopic	Approx. 83cm	Approx. 343g	80-150g	Portable, lighter surfcasting setup
4.2m Telescopic	Approx. 89cm	Approx. 376g	80-150g	Full-length beach rod with compact storage
4.2m Three-Piece	Approx. 145cm per section	Approx. 670g	100-200g	Heavier surfcasting rigs and sinkers

3.6m or 4.2m Surfcasting Rod?

The 3.6m telescopic rod is the easiest long surf rod in this range to handle and transport. It weighs approximately 343g and collapses to around 83cm, making it particularly practical when vehicle or storage space is limited. Its shorter length can also feel more manageable for anglers who do not need the maximum reach of a 4.2m rod.

The 4.2m rods provide additional length for open beach fishing. A longer rod can help with casting leverage and keeping the fishing line above shallow waves and shoreline wash when the rod is positioned in a beach spike or rod holder.

Telescopic or Three-Piece Surfcasting Rod?

The main advantage of the telescopic models is portability. The 3.6m model closes to approximately 83cm and the 4.2m model to approximately 89cm, making either considerably easier to carry and store than the 4.2m three-piece rod, which has sections approximately 145cm long.

Both telescopic rods use 30T carbon construction, have a fast action and are rated for a total casting weight of 80-150g. This rating includes the sinker, bait and the remainder of the rig rather than the sinker alone.

The 4.2m three-piece rod has a higher stated casting range of 100-200g and an MH medium-hard action. It is therefore the better option in this range when you intend to use heavier bait and sinker combinations that would exceed the 150g upper rating of the telescopic rods.

Which Telescopic Surfcasting Rod Should I Choose?

Choose the 3.6m telescopic rod if compact storage, lower rod weight and easier handling are priorities. Its 80-150g casting range accommodates many common beach fishing setups while its 3.6m length still provides useful casting reach.

Choose the 4.2m telescopic rod if you want the additional reach of a full-length surfcasting rod but still need it to pack into a relatively small space. It weighs approximately 376g, only around 33g more than the 3.6m version, while collapsing to approximately 89cm.

When Is the 4.2m Three-Piece Rod Better?

Choose the 4.2m three-piece rod when the higher 100-200g casting rating is more important than minimum packed size or rod weight. This makes it the most suitable rod on this page for heavier surfcasting combinations where the combined sinker, bait and rig weight may exceed 150g.

Rod Only, Rod and Reel, or Starter Set?

If you already own a suitable surfcasting reel, one of the rod-only options allows you to build your setup around your existing equipment.

The 4.2m rod and reel combo pairs the three-piece rod with an EF9000 12-bearing saltwater reel. It suits anglers who need the main rod and reel components but already have, or prefer to select, their own line and terminal tackle.

The 4.2m starter set is the most complete option for someone beginning surfcasting. It combines the three-piece rod and EF9000 reel with 500m of 28lb monofilament line, 70lb shock leader, breakaway sinkers, flasher rigs, snap swivels and bait elastic.

What Sinker Weight Can I Use?

Always work from the rod's total casting rating rather than looking at sinker weight alone. The telescopic rods are rated for 80-150g, while the three-piece rod is rated for 100-200g. Bait, hooks, trace and other components all add to the weight being cast.

Many common 3-5oz surfcasting sinkers can fall within the telescopic rods' rating, but a heavily baited 5oz sinker setup may exceed 150g once the complete rig is taken into account. The 100-200g three-piece rod provides more capacity for heavier combinations.

Surfcasting Around New Zealand

These rods are intended for beach and shore-based saltwater fishing and may be used for species such as snapper, kahawai, gurnard, trevally and rig where local conditions and fishing regulations permit. The most suitable rod length and rig weight will vary with beach conditions, current, wind, target species and how far you need to cast.

After fishing in saltwater, rinse the rod, guides and reel with fresh water and allow them to dry before storage. With telescopic rods, also check that each section and guide is correctly extended and aligned before casting.