I snell all my circle hooks with fluorocarbon. In saltwater i regularly fish a 4/0 to 9/0 circle hook on 50 to 100 lb leaders.

When in Venice try Sharky's Pier, you can catch everything from pin fish to 10ft shark off the pier. The pier is owned by the city and a license is not required. You can rent a rod all set up and bait at the shop on the pier. I run #30 braid with about a 4ft leader of 20 to 100 lb fluorocarbon. My leader is set up like this: swivel - leader with sliding weight - swivel - leader to a snelled circle hook. 1oz to 3oz weight depending on conditions, 1/0 to 10/0 hooks depending on target. Sabiki rigs have also proven very effective. I wear a Raiders cap, if you see me say Hi, I'll be happy to help, as will others. Good luck

Congratulations, nice catch.

Go with the 400 real, load it up with 30lb braid and rig from there. I use a 4ft Fluorocarbon leader. This is a decent all around set up.