Help wanted conventional eeling w & w/o weight

[riarcher]

I need help!
My setups are not working.
Rod #1;
ABU Garcia 10 ft., Med/Heav Action, 15-30 lb. Line, 2-6 oz lure

Rod #2;
TICA 10 ft. Heavy, Fast Action, 12-30 lb. line, 2-8 oz.

Reel #1;
Ambassaduer BG 7000 HSN

Reel #2;
Ambassaduer 6500C3

While not originally intending on heavy casting,,, it's sort of evolving in that direction. Began with lures in the 2-3 oz range with an eye towards later(?). It's "later" already!

Wanting to toss live eels with weight in the surf.
Which reel with which rod? Or are both rods wrong for this?
Since the area(s) has loose gravel going to sand, or just sand what lb. Mono should I go with as a main line? any particular brands prefered?
and if you would, please suggest shock leader size.

Have/had PP on both until now. Between the weeds and gravel in the surf It was a nightmare! If I ever got to have a fish on, I'd be handlining the braid. Weeds just don't slide on braid and had to keep clearing on the retrieve and then the 50# new PP broke in my hands from the gravel abrasions! (reminded me of the song "knew what I was feeling, but what was I thinking" )

I kept thinking about "8 & bait" and began to wonder if a new HEAVIER rod is required (like 10-16 oz?) while the surf was tossing my 16" eels and 5 oz. weights back at me.
My intention was an older style. Live eel with a slider rig and enough weight to keep the eel in a designated play area. Sunday morning was with a fair sized surf and more weed than I probably should of played with.

ANY input on a good surf setup for eeling (w & w/o weight)?
thanks.