IMO, that 3500 sized reel is just too small for any type of surf action. The smallest reel I have used, in the surf, for small plugs and such, is a reel in the 4500 range. I have a Shimano Spheros 5000, which is now the smallest I am using this year. It's a tad larger than a 710, which is also about the smallest size I would use. I just don't think the spool has a great line capacity, and on the Spheros, I use Fireline.
IMO, Fireline is spinner friendly, more so than braid.
