All of the newer style Abu Big Game (gold side plates) have levelwinds. Newells are always no levelwinds. Stay w/ levelwind if you aren't use to it. I appreciate the levelwinds in the dark.
Daiwa slosh, or SHV are nice chunkers as well (no level winds).
Mono is more forgiving than braid. 20 lb should be OK, 25 lb if its rocky and may be more if its jagged rocks....lol. If the beach is open you can drop down to 17 lb, or even 14 lb for some added distance.
I've been eyeing the Abu 7000BGN (narrow spool model).
Swing smooth/be fluid casting - best advice some one gave me when using a conventional set up.