Gear Set Up and Fishing Location

Hey everyone, I use to fish all freshwater, but the Salt Life has me hooked now! I love catching anything big, preferably big bull reds but I love getting a nice size shark as well. I currently have a Cobia Special 10' rod with a Penn Spinfisher V 6500LL. I am currently running a Carolina Rig with 80lb power braid and a 50lb fluorocarbon leader. Occasionally a steel leader at night for sharks. I began to wonder though is my line an issue having a higher pound test? I hate losing big fish more than anything and yes I take time to tire them out, but have still managed to lose some big ones.

In addition, I've always had good luck at the point of Fort Morgan, but last year was dead every time I went. Any thoughts on if I should go there again or any where new to try?

Thanks so much for any advice and help! It means so much to me!

Sincerely,
Andrew M.

Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on it Andrew.
Yes, on the line test issue.
I would recommend trying 65# or even 50# braid.
For every step you take down in pound test you will gain probably 10% in casting distance and 15% or so in line capacity.

With that reel you probably have just over 200 yards of 80# braid, and that is often not enough.
When a big shark gets to the end of that you are going to loose the 'tug of war' 9 out of 10 times (IF you don't break the rod or strip the reel gears).
You would get about 250 yards of 65# braid and near 300 yards of 50# braid which gives you more time to wear the beasties out.
With big fish it's about PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE, not POWER ;-)

hope this helps!