Man, the blues are fun ! And in the water where you were catchin' em', (shallow) they can't sound (go deeper), just go "all over the place" in their quick runs. Sounds like quite a trip.
Now as to the line breaking; There's been some good advice given already here, and then there been advice given. So here's my 2 cents worth = Try the latest in line technology, using Berkley's "Iron Silk" especially formulated to withstand fishteeth.
I tried a free sample sent to me from Pure Fishing, and have since wound it up on 6 reels in varying test strengths. I've only heard one complaint about it, "shoulda' tried it sooner."
Now 17 pound test is adequate for where you're fishing, in fact, for the entire bay area. Don't increase that as it will cut casting performance way down - the heavier you go.
But DO add-on a shock leader of at least double the line strength you have on the reel.
For #17 test, put on a #40 shock leader.
Tie on enough (using a blood knot or triple surgeons knot) to AT LEAST have three rod lengths. This will allow you to have a rod length in the water, another running down the rod, and also several wraps around the reel - all without hindering your casting distance or performance, and by "grabbing it"
with a fish on, you can lift em' and "horse em'" ashore, up on the pier, or into a boat.
Third = Also use some of that iron silk to snell your hooks, so "those hook leaders" will not be bitten off so easily as well.
The problem with steel leader is, you will never again, experience a bite off - using it. But, you will notice, even with bluefish, MANY less bites than with a monofiliment, co polymer, fluorocarbon or the "power braids."
As to the braids......They are stronger than anything imaginable in open water. And highly recommended for many applications. But the damn line not only tangles (terrible ) and easlily, it's also easy to "bite off" when catching toothy critters such as bluefish, spanish mackerel, and king mackerel. Nope...Top choice personally goes to "Iron Silk" also in #17 pound test. And good fishing to ya lad.....It's going to be one hell of a summer, if it stops raining between hurricanes this year.
Tom
