Big lures dont mean big fish. I only use use a ultra lite rod and reel with 4lb test with 1.5 inch tube jigs and small lures. My son and I catch walleye, crappie, LM Bass and occasionally catfish. We religiously hook into fish more than 3 pounds. In my opinion using line heavier than what your fishing for takes the sport out of it. Anyone can use 8lb test to land a 5lb fish but its kind of comparable to a man driving off the ladies tee in golf. Quite often when were out catching fish on consistent basis will see other fisherman using gigantic lures and not even getting a single bite.