What type of line do you recommend for the mane line and leader
Not an easy question.
Some personal ideas:
1)
color: does not matter in most cases. But if you are looking for the most "invisible" color, it is RED, not green or brown. Red is the closest color to fluorocarbon line.
2)
power: depends on your (1)setup, and (2)style. There is some schema in place:
rod 2.5 lb - main line 8 lb
rod 3.0 lb - main line 10 lb
rod 3.5 lb - main line 12 lb
But it is only about the power necessary to BRINGIG FISH HOME.
If you need to cast huge load of chum, you often have to use shock leader, and some good people are using 50' shock leader up to 50 lb!!
Now standard dilemma
braid vs mono. I started with mono, but in some (well... many) cases braid works for me, too. The thing is: IMO braid is for lazy people ))) And I sure am one of them time to time. With mono, you have to be real attentive to it's integrity. Pro anglers recommend to change it every trip. I'm just checking line's status, and carefully review last 20' - 50' to cut off damaged piece, and re-tie setup. And here is the thing: if this line needs to be replaced, and I often don't have time, I just switch to a
second spool which is spooled with 30lb braid. This "emergency" spool works for years )))) Yes, I have a second spool for every reel, and I have this emergency spool on me every trip.
3)
leader: It should be some huge text here, but you have to decide this part for yourself. My last 5 trips I was using 6 lb fluoro, but I also have pre-tied leaders made of 50 lb braid. I think, your leader will be somewhere in between, too ))
4) couple of non-orthodox ideas.
4.1) First, it is about the main mono line. I was using real many of them... just to pick my favorite - Big Game. Amazing line! And sure one of the cheapest, too!
4.2) If I know I'm going to place with a real hard rocky bottom and must be prepared for possible scratches on line, I tie 50'-100' of abrasive-resistant line like Maxima Ivory, P-Line CXX, or even Ande (lines usually considered as a saltwater lines). Those lines are too stiff for a spinning reel, and you don't want them to sit on your reel longer than it is necessary. Remember that braided are not good when you need a real abrasive resistance. Tie this leader to braided, too.
4.3) Every line has it's own "best" knots. Use the right knot!
Good luck!