Had great luck with these downrigger rods.
Shakespheare BWD 1101 9'0 ft Ugly Stik Downrigger rod, fiberglass/light action 6-20 lb. This is there standard downrigger rod.
Also I have Shakespheare Cateva IM-8 grafite rods, model DR6080 8' med - light action. I consider it an ultra light rod and real whippy but strong enough for downrigger use.