To be honest with you, I have never hooked a large cuda or shark while wading.
Not for lack of trying. There was somewhat of a "blue hole" next to wadeable
water near where I live in Ascesion Bay and I would try and piss off this huge
looming cuda with poppers while wading. Had several huge strikes, but never
hooked up.
I think I would be considerably more wary or large sharks. To me, they seem
a little more unpredictable and don't see to give up, like even the large
cudas do. I like your idea of the light tippet above the wire. I'll try it
next time I'm out wading.
Sean