Big rod big line grasshopper ... har
Well I wouldn't go anything lighter than 25lb. 20lb won't cut it with those things they are too heavy. As for the rod, I always recommend a saltwater type rod like a Calstar 800L or 800XL. I have alse heard good things about an 8 foot graphtec rod but haven't seen one yet. Regular bass rods are just not designed with a heavy swimbait in mind so you have to check out the salwater stuff and find something suitable in 8 foot length.
When I'm at San Pablo this spring I will be throwing that thing on my 9 foot Sabre 190-9 when I can bring myself to put down my 9 inch slammer.