Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

20 should be fine
I’m a musky fisherman and I find the main reason for heavy braid isn’t so much for the fish. It’s to keep line from snapping during the inevitable backlash when throwing heavy lures .
Serious. I throw baits up to a pound, and going from high velocity cast to dead stop generates incredible forces on the line.
Have landed 20 pounders on 15 pound braid while walleye fishing. Had quite a few straightened hooks as well without breaking mainline . Strong line and a good drag Can handle big fish
Also take a look at your rods line rating.
20 pound line on a 60 pound rod won’t work out very well
So if your lures are a reasonable ounce or ounce and a half And your rod rating matches , 20 should be OK. If not definitely go heavier
Definitely yes on the wire trace. Or a trace made of 80# fluoro minimum with good hardware. Pike teeth will definitely shred braid,

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

20 lb braid and 20 lb wire leader. The back teeth on a large northern are like razors and will slice right through 60 lb floro or mono. Make sure your drag is set properly and you can handle a large northern. Lots of luck.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Good info there! 20 # with steel leader work ok.