More time on the sand. Maybe try live bait or bigger baits for bigger fish. Fresh bait as well, may give you a better chance. And by fresh bait i mean caught on the day. I'm no expert just
my opinion.
Lessons learnt the hard way. I feel your pain. If only you had a net. I've had my fair share of fish lost just before lifting. Heart breaking. Nothing worst then gear failure or a knot breaking after spending countless hours out there only to hooked that fish and the knot breaks.I recommend the gt knot.
Most of the quality rods use some sort of fuji guides. I use a GT knot to tie on my leaders. Seems to work well through the guides. Takes a bit to get use to at 1st.