No need for a leader with the slammers, especially fluoro since it sinks and youll want to just wake that bait (well, thats what I do anyway). 30 does seem overkill. With 25 and the stout rod you should be able to just crank that fish in.

I tighten my drag all the way down and just steadily crank fish in. However, I always have it in my head that I may have to react quickly and provide drag should a good fish go nuts. I havent had to do that yet, but almost did it a time or two. Its like everybody on here always says, the longer a good fish is on the better chance you have of losing it. Just get that fish in as quick as possible.