ouch. Sorry to hear that.
For a long time, I was sticking with 30# spectra. My logic was it was strong enough to keep up with the majority of big fish we get opportunity to deal with... And I theorized that the lower profile/thinner spectra will slice through the kelp better.
I had one situation like yours, and I decided to move up to 40#. I figured thinner spectra has got to be more likely to be weaken by dings in the line, which are inevitable when loading your gear... or those friggen spectra backlashes...
I know a lot of folks that go with even stronger spectra. Something to consider.