I'm using 20lbs (mono)main line and 25lbs (mono)lead.I tie all my own rigs and taylor the hook size to the size of bait. Lead lengths are also dictated by current strength.I like spinning rods and have an Walmart special Mako-Calypso 7or 7.5' med- heavy w/ a fairly soft tip. I like the forgiveness of this set-up, the stretch of mono and a soft tip but strong enough to control the fish. For a reel I use a Quantum Blue runner I think BRF 60, it holds 210yds of 20lbs test and 240-14. I have used 25lbs test for main line but didn't get a very smooth cast and alot less distance. 25 mono is a little much for this rod, but the wife used 50lbs braid for awhile until it burned a hole in an eye when she fighting a REALLY good fish, broke the line too. No matter she only had 15yds left until she hit the backing-20lbs mono