simplicity rules - a 40#test butt section about 12-18" long with a loop knot at its end. Then straight 20# trilene XT for 4-6' for the leader itself. No taper; no shock leader...
Allows me to handline up bass quickly rather than going through the extended struggle for the last 5' of line and gives me a decent shot at a blue if I keep the line tight at all times to keep the hook, not the line in the teeth.