Surf Fishing Reel Advice Wanted

[Chevy]

I have recently cleaned up my dad's old reels he used for bull reds other surf species and need some advice. The reals are a Shimano TR-200 and a Penn Surfmaster 400 (old style). I recently spooled the Shimano with 20# mono but found that I was breaking off when casting the 3-4oz spider wt with leader. I wanto to retain casting distance and am hesitant to go with 40# mono as it will also decrease my capacity.

My thoughts are to spool with braid, say 50# power pro and add about 100yds of Suffix mono. Have any of you done this and if so did it affect your casting?

Any tips on surf fishing with a 11ft heavy rod and these type reels is appreciated.

Thanks,
Chevy.