TFO is good, wf line to match rod weight. Put rod tip on ground, butt in hand and press down. If limber , 5wt line. You will need a reel with disk drag! Palming is for pros and fingers on the line burn. Forget the Tippett, 10 or 20# salt water leader, with 3 to 6# leader work fine. About 3' each. Relearn your knots, Davy knot for most buggers. Nail knot tyer for line to leader is worth the few $. Oh, extra wide reel is neat but standard cabelas black one is fine. Problem with old wire loops is they were plated and rust, just clean them on new rods.