Line/Knot preferences

[Gottogo49]

I'm sure you guys have discussed this one before but for us newbies: What line make and strength do you prefer? Anyone a big fan of braided line? What is your favorite knot?
I use mostly mono, but I have one rod with 30 pound power pro, uni knot to 6 foot fluorocarbon leader with a palomar to a quick clip.
For mono I use 12 pound clear stren with a palomar.
It's fun to have your own knot wars. Use two old topwater plugs with the hooks removed. Take a 4 foot piece of line and tie different knots to each plug and pull them apart until one breaks. For me a palomar is easy to tie and breaks most other knots.