As far as strength, 6lb is fine fore most areas (unless you are in Erie or Bay of Quinte, the 8 or 10 I would guess). As far as type, braid is great if its warmer or you're in a heated house/portable, otherwise I have always used Sufix Ice Magic in the past. I'm spooling 1 rod up with Sufix Invisiline Ice (floro) to give it a shot this season