We've been fishing Guntersville for years and have never used anything but 12 lb. mono in the Springtime. I can only recall one fish breaking my line and that was a 20lb carp. Now in the summer and Fall when the grass gets really thick, we go up to 17lb mono. I think it's just a matter of preference.
My buddy and I tried the secret weapon buzzbait at G-ville this Spring but didn't have any takers. But the topwater bite was definitely NOT on while we were there. Can't wait to try it later in the Spring/early summer.