I have always used ultra-light gear and 2 & 4 # test line for Crappie & Bluegill. I recently bought a Medium Heavy rod and paired it with a medium reel (Orvis #2). The reel is marked for 6 to 10 # line and the rod (BPS GS series IM6) is marked for 6 to 17# line. I would like to try braid as the fellow with whom I fish uses braid almost exclusively and I like it for the little I have used it.

I am looking for suggestions on which size, type (I see there are different ones) and which manufacturer I should try. Also any tips on using it, such as to tie an overhand knot after tying a Palomar knot to keep the line from un-raveling (that tip my fishing partner told me).