Going to head the coast in Florida pretty soon and I was wondering what everyone has as a setup for spanish mackerel as far as rod and reel.
I typically just use my bass rods and i manage to do good, but i'm looking to get a little more distance out of my casts and be prepared if something else bigger manages to hit. Thank you

Use about 2Ft. of Steel Leader. Smacks have super sharp teeth and will cut most any Mono leader.

http://cudakilla.com/2014/09/13/gulf-coast-spanish-mackerel-tips/

Works well in FL as well.

If I need distance, I just go with a slightly longer rod but nothing too bulky for smacks, bass tackle is fine. Typically 7' spinning rod works fine spooled with line in the 15 lb test range. I only use 4"-6" steel leaders for smacks.

7' medium action spinning rod with 3000 size reel with max 12 to 15 lb test mono and 30 lb test fluro leader was what I used for many years fishing for almost everything in the waters of south florida. You might lose an occasional fish due to bite offs but if you check your leader for nicks after each catch, the less visible leader is worth it in my opinion. I rarely targeted spanish macs but when they would show themselves busting bait on the surface I was all over them. Have watched the pros catch them on light tackle and Krocodile spoons off the beaches and piers for years.


If there are king fish in the area, you'll need a 4000+ reel that will hold 200 yards of 20 lb mainline and use 40/50 lb leader.

http://theonlinefisherman.com/spanish-mackerel

http://www.basspro.com/Luhr-Jensen-Kroco...oductextensions


What part of Florida will you be fishing?

Thanks everyone for the help. And Iconn4, i will be fishing in destin. I've managed to do great on the piers using gotcha plugs. I'm just wanting to be prepared if a kingfish manages to hit. I was thinking a penn battle 2 4000 with 20lb braid would be sufficient correct? And are there any specific rods that anyone uses that have good flexibility but still provide a good backbone that are in the 7-7 1/2 foot range?