I use a rod that is rated 10-20 or 12-25 for springers Either a Loomis HS981 or 982 or A Rainshadow IP965 or HS962. I also use a couple Loomis BB964's, dont have as light a tip as I prefer but if the water is running harder than normal they work better with jumbo divers than the HS981. If you are going to backbounce up at Bonneville you will need more rod. I disagree with the comment that Springers don't fight, we have hooked a lot of really hot fish on the columbia and this year they are running bigger than normal. One of my buddies got a limit today that was30# and 25#. we have seen a lot of fish taken in the 18-25# range as well.