Larry,
No expert here mate, but I have been using and recommended to use Silstar Match Team.
Low diameter and stretch!, gives a quick connection to the strike when stick floating.
For the Barbel on feeder or lead, Shimano Baitrunner 10lb. min.
As with Esox, I'm suspending my braid trials for Barbel as the 'Impact' strike seems to crack braid off at half its rated strength.
Horses for courses as they say.
Cheers
Trev
Ziptrev

Enough! I'm off!