I would be more concerned about Weed/snags/bottom/bars than the weight of the fish, in open water i have fish to 56lb on 12lb line... a lot of lakes stipulate minimum breaking strain, where im off to in France they like you to use 15lb, there are some great lines out there that don't cost a fortune have a look at Gardner HD, in 12/15 Diawa Sensor....or if your feeling flush 12lb GR60,
I wouldn't worry about the test curve, a 3.0lb TC through action rod will be more forgiving the a 2.75lb TC fast taper rod
"Well i didnt know that, cheers for the info. So would it be daft to put 16lb li