New Carolina rigs

[MikeA57]

I just got delivered 2 Fenwick HMG 7' 10" pistol grip rods that I will set up for Carolina rigging. I had been using a 6 1/2' Browning rod with a matching Browning reel. I also have a 6' rod with a Kevin VanDam reel on it. I've included pictures of these reels on the new rods.

I haven't fished with them yet, only thrown a 1/2 oz sinker tied onto the line but they seem very smooth casting. The description of the rod is that it is a heavy action rod with a moderate fast tip. It will handle 3/8oz - 1 1/2oz lures and 12 - 25Lb Line. These ought to work real well as a Carolina rig setup but I do have to mention that the tip seems a little stiff to me, but like I said I haven't fished with it yet, just threw sinkers.

Now, I've got a couple of questions. The Browning reel throws like a dream and I can cast the 1/2 oz sinker about 65-70'. With a proper 3/4 to 1 oz sinker and a salamander it should go even further. The KVD reel however, has given me fits ever since I've gotten it. On the 6' (heavy) rod I couldn't get it to cast further than 30' with a heavy lure. The clutch and drag are both adjusted correctly but the one thing I'm wondering about is the magnet setting. How do I know that I've got it set correctly? Both reels have adjustments for the magnets but I've never known how to set them up. Is it a "set & forget" deal or do I have to fine tune it for each lure I put on?

The other question I have is what is the best line to put on these reels for the Carolina rig? I've currently got 14 lb and 17 lb test monofilament on them but I'm not sure if I should use braid or spiderwire (I would think not on the spiderwire.)