12 or 10# test line is more than enough for Silvers & Steelhead 15 to 17# for kings. If the fish are breaking your line you either have bad line or need a drag adjustment.They say go light in low water conditions but in my experience if you use stealth in low water the fish will attack your offering if they don't know your there and if you spook the fish line size won't make a difference either way.