Mike,
Very bright early entry Kings are in their most aggressive combat, and bite mode, and are great sport because of this.
<> But they are also very vulnerable, as once these big guys are allowed to turn into a main current, it can turn into 30 minute or longer tedius bull-dogging game of endurance for both the angler and the fish alike.
This can really become a physical burden to the fish, even life threatening.
Over the years, we've seen incredibley beautiful wild car-bumper Kings fail to revive because they were over fought....A sad thing to see, especially when this happens so early on in their journey up-river.
We have found that the sturdy, shorter 12'6"/13'0" rod can be an effective lever to keep these very aggressive fighters under control at close range right after the hook-up, and keep them nosed into the beach.
....And after a few explosive minutes of close in fighting, (the shorter rods)will lead them quickly to the beach, and will allow them to be safely released in short order.
Ther are no doubt many anglers that have acquired the necessary skills to quickly defeat the bright 30 pound plus fish to the beach with the longer, or lighter weight rods like Ted mentioned....But I think it is just that: An acquired skill.
I think that a well designed 12'6" to 13'0" rod in the 8/9/10 wt range <> 600 to 750 grain capability can easily deliver the necessay distance to reach bright Kings in most any small to medium sized estuarian river situation.....But most importantly <> Will aide to more quickly, and safely defeat the 30 pound plus fish to the quick release in the hands of the less seasoned angler.
....Plus the shorter rods are not a whole lot of graphite to handle, so are a joy to deliver over a long day on the water.
We have a new 12'6" 9/10 Scando, and the well seasoned 13'0" 9/10 MKS: Both having good field records with Mr. Nooky.
....Meiz