MY setup for spring gills is a lite action rod from the bank, spooled with 4lb trilene max. never had any problems yet( hope i dont jinks myself) a split shot just heavy enough to submerge 3/4 of the smallest slip bobber, and pin head ice jigs tipped w/maggots.
I target early weedbeds in shallow water between 6 fow and 10 fow. usually a great plan to start with. If theres any kind of wind I move to a smaller split shot.
Most of the time I find it easier to catch gills in open water with ice rods all year long off a boat.