Ft Surf
Budget fiberglass surf and boat rods, casting and spinning, entry-level coastal saltwater
- Models
- 13
- Length
- 7.0'–11.0'
- Type
- Casting / Spinning
The Daiwa FT Boat & Surf is Daiwa's value-tier fiberglass surf and boat rod series, built for entry-level to budget-conscious coastal anglers made for surf perch, halibut, calico bass, stripers, and general inshore species from beaches, jetties, and small boats. At an MSRP of approximately $34.99, it is one of Daiwa's most accessible saltwater offerings. All models are fast action and most are 2-piece for transport. Blanks are durable fiberglass, not graphite, which adds weight but increases durability and resilience under abuse. Hardware is functional: aluminum oxide cut-proof guides, stainless steel hooded reel seat, round rubber butt cap, and EVA foam grips.
The series does not include graphite sensitivity enhancements or premium guide systems; it is a straightforward workhorse rod at a budget price point. Lineup data in this batch shows some apparent inconsistencies between model codes and listed lengths/descriptions, suggesting the model naming may combine multiple related FT sub-series (FTB boat conventional prefix, FTS surf spinning prefix). The 13 models break into two groups by prefix: FTB models (casting/boat) and FTS models (spinning/surf). Spinning surf models (FTS) run 7'–11' with M through MH power.
Boat models (FTB) include both casting and spinning variants, generally 7'–11'. The FTS1102MFS (11' M, 10–25 lb, 1–5 oz) is the longest and heaviest-casting surf spinning model. The FTS802MFS and FTS902MFS represent standard mid-length surf spinning rods. Note: several model/length pairings in the provided lineup appear inconsistent (e. g. FTB701HF listed as 11' casting but other references show different lengths), listed specs are as provided.
Deeper Dive
A closer look at notable models.
Heaviest-rated model in the series at XH power and 40–60 lb line. Likely a heavy boat rod for large bait presentations, shark fishing from a pier, or heavy bottom rigs where extreme power is needed on a fiberglass blank.
Lightest-rated spinning model. At ML power and 8–15 lb, this is the finesse end of the FT Surf series, suited to light surf perch fishing, small-bait presentations, or light inshore spinning from a boat or pier.
Mid-length heavy surf spinning rod at 9'6" (per external spec sources), MH power. Handles heavier sinker rigs and larger bait presentations in surf conditions where wave action demands additional rod stiffness to maintain bottom contact.
Longest surf spinning model at 11', 2-piece. The extended length maximizes casting distance from the beach or jetty, placing bait beyond the breaking surf. M power and 10–25 lb line handle standard surf sinker rigs for stripers, bluefish, or redfish.
Rods in this series
| Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTB701XHF | 7' | XH | — |
| FTB701HFS | 7' | H | — |
| FTS802MFS | 7' | ML | — |
| FTB702MHFS | 7' | MH | — |
| FTB701MHFS | 7' | MH | — |
| FTB701MF | 8' | M | — |
| FTS902MFS | 8'6" | M | — |
| FTB702MF | 9' | M | — |
| FTS1002MFS | 9'6" | MH | — |
| FTB701MHF | 10' | M | — |
| FTS1102MFS | 11' | M | — |
| FTB701HF | 11' | M | — |
| FTB701MFS | 7" | M | — |