I believe the line rating for my rod is somewhere between 8-18 pounds. It does not specify mono or braided. If I put 30 pound mono or braided on that rod, will it break the rod? Sorry if it’s a dumb question I am new to this. Thank you in advance.

If your drag is set properly and your not leaning your rod back beyond its vertical capacity, breakage should not occur.

 

You should however stay within the rods manufacturers spec ratings.

First, I would suggest that you go on youtube, and type in how to cast a baitcaster, as I assume that's what you have. The reason for saying that is, you can actually cast wrong and snap your rod, proper technique will make casting much easier on you and your rod.

 

With that rod I probably wouldn't use 30 lb mono, or fluro on it, although I'm sure there will be some that disagree. 30 braid will be o.k. because it a smaller diameter than mono is. The important thing is to match your rod, reel, and line for the conditions, and bait you intend to throw on it. There are folks that use braid for everything, and those of us that don't.