I use 12lb mono and prefer maxima also. I also used the 15lb and really didn't notice a difference. With a majority of fish coming into the mid 20" range 15lb might be nice for the next couple of years. Once my service spool is used up I will be going to 15lb. For me, the braid didn't work well between using small boards and not holding in the clips and I also feel you lose fish when newbies are yanking a rod back and forth and there is no give in the braid. Mono has a little stretch that helps absorb it.