Swimbait Fisherman...100% Braid user, since it came out!
I use Seaguar Smackdown Tourney Braid after using Daiwa Samurai for 3 yrs...the Smackdown is a 8 strand, solid core, ROUND weave...it is smaller, softer, and as strong as the Samurai, seems to have better abrasion resistance...never had any breakage with either.
No backing is needed for a good round braid...cheaper braid that flattens requires backing so it won't cut into itself...I use full 150yd spool, when braid "wears out" wind it on another reel to use "good end" of spool.
I use 20lb which is 6lb or less Mono dia...can pull jig heads and swimbaits free from almost anything.
Also use a hyper snap and swivel also for jig head changes and added swimbait action...never have used a leader...IMHO, a SLAB in stained water, is tracking and looking at that juicy, smelly, 3inch swimbait sushi, and not the Algae colored, large Hair sized fiber that it is attached to!