Using a swivel while trolling on a lake while using spinning gear helps prevent line twist, and I know practically all of you know that, but this thread ain't about lakes. For now while fishing rivers or streams I prefer 6# Vanish. Vanish replaced Berkely's Ultra Thin not too long ago. That's what I used before. Vanish IS expensive I realize, but I like it. I like a medium-light rod with a good backbone but a sensitive tip. Honestly though, like Gavin said, use what you like and use it well. It's all about confidence and experience with what you're using. Braid for me on an Ozark river, especially while casting from a moving canoe, I don't care to use. I can cast ok, but to throw braid into a tangled mess like I see a few of my river buddies do with success... well, it amazes me how they can work a spinnerbait and especially a cranbait out of it with very few hang-ups. But hey... I'm first and foremost just happy to be to be on the river!