The most common tackle mistake on Kuwait boats is a strong line on a small reel, or a thin line on a big one. Both work, but each has a limit, and the limit shows up when a good fish is on, not when the shop is explaining it.
The drag is the part that should give way before the line does. Set it heavier than the line can take and the first solid run ends the story.
As a starting guide, set drag at roughly half of the line's rated strength, then adjust for current and depth. Treat that as a place to begin, not a universal rule.
Spool capacity is not decoration. A big fish takes one or two runs, and a half-full spool gives up line fast and puts the load on the knot instead of the drag.
Keep a clear reserve of line and check the level now and then. A reel that is not filled properly gives you a false sense of security.
Braid is thinner at the same strength, so it takes less space and reaches deeper water with less current drag. Mono is thicker and softer, absorbs shock, and ties more forgiving knots.
Most break-offs do not happen in the main line, they happen at the join. A weak knot makes a strong line irrelevant.
Keep the leader slightly heavier than the main line: it handles rock, teeth and abrasion at the business end while the main line stays thin for casting and capacity.
When do you genuinely need a bigger reel? When the same story repeats: line runs out, drag cannot stop the fish, or winding up from depth wears you out. If the problem is one bad cast or one bad knot, a bigger reel will not fix it.
Finally, rinse the reel in fresh water after every trip and grease it lightly. A drag that is never cleaned starts cutting line for no obvious reason.
Before you rig up, the B7R (بØر) app gives you sea state, tides for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba, the fish guide and a log for every trip.
Get the B7R app free on Google Play for tides, sea state and your fishing log: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r