I used 6-8lb test mono on my Pushing rod/linecounter reel setups because my main lines were 20lb mono or 30lb braid. As far as my one casting outfit that has 10/2 PowerPro hi-viz braid, I've never used a mono (or fluro) leader ... and caught many a good Crappie in a fairly clear water lake (Watts Bar in Tenn) and at a couple of lakes here in KY.
That one casting outfit is a 7' Bionic Blade IM8 graphite rod (Med action) - Shimano Spirex 2000 reel - PowerPro 10/2 hi-viz braid. I used it primarily to cast 1/16oz Road Runners and Charlie Brewer Whirly Bees ... with the idea that I could get them back if they got snagged on wood or rocks. I also found that I could cast the 1/16oz Road Runner farther and easier, without the need for a heavyhanded hookset. Merely continuing to reel and sweeping the rod about a foot was all that was needed for a solid hookup, even at 30-40ft away.