I've had my Huckabee rods for a few years now. with that said, I've just put some bonehead braid on 2 of them and I really like it. If I end up breaking a tip due to rod wrap (which bonehead claims not to do, and hasn't yet) ill just bite the bullet and buy another one. I've gotten my money's worth from the already, they're great rods. Before the braid, I just used anything high vis in the 10-12 pound range. Just my 2 cents, enjoy the new rod and fill the freezer👍👍👍