As for the braid I use 8lb that is 1lb diameter or 10lb that is 2lb diameter. I attached straight to the jig. The fish don't seem to mind at all. Water here is stained with visibility to about 3 feet. So your mileage may vary if you are on really clear water.
I shoot docks a lot. They will at some point start utilizing those docks in 4 to 5 feet of water. Pier built docks to me are better than floating docks. Consider them man made flooded timber. If water temps are favorable they will hide in the deep shadows of those docks when it is sunny outside. Sounds like you caught some nice fish
The love for fishing is one of the best gifts you can pass along