I still fish with a hot rodded Jigmaster for surface irons. But a newer similar sized reel is probably the better choice. The taller spool combined with a moderately fast ratio allows me to gain in line quickly on the hook set as well as "catch up" if the fish heads straight in.
As far as line I prefer 40# test minimum. Its a reaction bite so no need to be stealthy with line size. Straight mono or long wind on of it as well. I don't like mono to braid connections going thru the guide train on a cast so a wind on of at least the length of my furthest cast. Also mono gives you some stretch which for me helps avoid pulled hooks. I back my mono with 80# braid. If a fish does take me to my backing the thickness of 80# braid will keep from digging into itself.
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Urban Camo Trident 13
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