Hi Mike yes the 8s will be strong enough ive built a 12-30lb 6'6 DHX and used 8s on it there a nice blank ive got a 4-10 pound DHX spin stick and its my bay rod for snapper mackerel and what ever ,ive caught 6kg mac tuna, 70cm snapper on it there are a very nice blanks ,the 703 should catch well above its weight.