Big Wild Brown-Help!

Sunday morning I linked up with a big wild brown trout in a spot I often pass over. I got him in close but had no net, made the mistake of grabbing the line and he broke off. I was able to link up with him about 4-5 times, he broke me off or my knot failed and I lost a few spoons. I estimate him to be about 18-22”

I’m using a JDM rod rated for 1.5-3# line and my reel was spooled with 2#. I am wondering, because it took him some time to break me off, how much of a difference 3# line would make.

I’m also currently contemplating stepping up to a rod rated for 2-6# line.

Thanks-WWA