I like both. My suggestion, try the 168 on the setup you've listed. A heavier rod is better for the 200.
My setups:
168 - Loomis 843 on 12lb
200 - Loomis 956 on 20lb
The CL8 Vole rat after an explosive encounter with a night time green fish. I was hooked, figurtivly and literally, and got to visit urgent care to remove a 1/0 treble shortly following the excitement.
Cheers
The Weedless Shad is AWESOME. I like to throw them on 12lb mono and grind it on the bottom. Smaller fish seem to rip them up faster than, say, anything over 2lbs.
Cheers
I added a small willow leaf blade to the tail of mine. The amount of added weight helps the bait sink slowly, and from what I noticed, evenly. Slow rolling it with a twich/pause is my jam.
Cheers.
The D series is very smooth and easy to palm in my opinion. I like my 300D for baits up to 4-5oz. It holds plenty of 20lb mono and casts extremely well. Adjusting the brakes is not a quick task and you will need to have a small flat head scew driver to access them. Another alternitive to consider would be the B series for almost half the price of a D.
I am impressed with the D series and am looking to replace my 400B with a 400D when the time is right. The price point on a 400D is heavy if you looking to buy retail.
Cheers