I thought it would take at least a twelve weight to turn an eighty pounder.
Perhaps the, " Holdover Mutts," are not as feisty as the fresh spring-run mutts?
For heaving the tennis ball, I'd recommend the Loomis 15/17 weight. And don't forget, white tennis balls for daytime, and dayglow yellow for low light conditions.
For bigger mutts, try switching to a regulation softball in white, and throwing it with your eeling rod.
Hope this helps<G>
Jay