Penn 8000 series reel

MikeW1710

Just got a Penn 8000 series reel from a friend and need to spool it with line. I’m looking for recommendations on whether to use mono or braid and what lbs test. heading to the Keys this summer and We will mostly be using it for cuda and shark and maybe offshore for dolphin. 
line capacity on reel says 
Mono: 340/20 310/25 230/30 
Braid: 475/50 390/65 345/80

Jack Hexter

An 8000 is an awfully big reel.  Given your target species, I'd fill it with 20# mono.  It will handle most everything but large sharks.  If you are targeting large sharks especially from the beach, fill it with 50# braid with a 100 yards of 30# mono topshot

MikeW1710

What about braid color?

Jack Hexter

High vis

MikeW1710

thank you

striperphil

If you spoil em, they’ll never work. 

MikeW1710

Casting wise, will braid or mono be better?

Jack Hexter

You will not cast an 8000 reel too often or too far unless you are surfcasting which is not the target species