Hit ebay and look for a Penn level wind reel. These will hold up to 800yds. of 50lb. test line. You may want a more heavy duty hook. My guess is that you hooked into a sturgeon, the Sacrament R. is famous for them. Check out Youtube for videos on these monsters. I would use at least a 2 ought hook and 18″ of 80lb. dacron leader. (the dacron is softer in their mouth, so they don’t spit the hook as easily)

Check out Okuma reels or ABU Garcia’s line of reels!
I use 12lb berkley line for most fishing and have caught many fish over 20 lbs and a few to 40lbs! This has been in more open water and not heavy current or cover!
You did not say what make of reel used but it sounds as if the line and rod held up but the reel and hook did not!
Good reels- Okuma,Tica,ABU,Diawa,Penn,Shimano,Mitchel,pflueger,California Tackle are some for a reasonable price well under $100!

Try these links:

I like Cabela’s Ripcord Si for my heavy line.Depending on the fish your after, I would use a heavy wire hook, or again, a saltwater hook, they wont straighten out like a light wire hook.

MAKE SURE YOUR DRAG IS WORKING PROPER