As far as losing fish, set the hook towards the bank low and to the side. It's a trick I learned swinging flies and it does seem to help. And don't pull too hard until the fish has made a run. A run away from you will get the hook buried nicely. Nothing I hate more than a fish that goes nuts in one place, I almost always lose those.

As far as line, I've been using Pline CX green 15# for 3 years now as my spoon line. It's about the diameter of 10# UG but a lot stronger. No need for leaders or any bs just tie on a spoon and go. I used braid and decided I like a little flex when I set the hook. I felt the braid ripped the spoon out and it didn't provide a nice lift to the spoon when I wanted it.