I use fluorocarbon leaders for almost everything, spinning and casting reels. Braid main line with FG knot to the FC leader and then a UNI knot or snell knot (only for flipping hooks) to the hook or lure. The Uni knot is easy/fast to tie and has never let me down. I even use it when I go saltwater fishing in Florida. I use Sunline Super Sniper FC and love it, although it is not the best for abrasion resistance but still good enough for me. Sunline shooter would probably hold up better abrasion wise. A quality FC will make a huge difference. I use to use Berkley Trilene 100% FC. It's good, but does not handle as well as Sunline. The Berkely does have better abrasion resistance and is a slightly larger diameter than Sunline Super FC. I also use nothing but tungsten weights(Strike King) without the plastic insert and really do not have issues with my texas rigs. Tungsten has so much more feel than lead. You might try giving those two FCs a shot.

Mark