Txslowpoke

If you're casting , I d use a 3/0 or 4/0 penn or actually any medium duty reel, even spincast. Line capacity, - more the better. Get a long rod if possible, like 9-12'. rod holder to put in sand. Main thing for sharks in my limited experience. A good leader, if I am casting I use a 10 foot leader( when casting I set the end of the leader on the legs of the surf weight, then cast).
Set it up like this, take surf weight, put on the line, then tie line to leader, then hook at end of leader, set drag loose. In the case of a hit once casted let the shark move the line some before setting hook. You will either have the line hit like freight train, or it will play with it a bit. If the line is tugged on a bit here and there , be patient, maybe 1 minute or 5 minutes, just lat the fish/shark play with it. Most of the time stingrays are the best bait, check the bait stands for availability.
hope this helps
Also try the pink fish bites synthetic baits, the whiting normally tear them up. There are actually times you get tired of casting and reeling them in, and they are gooooood eating fair if desired. Filet them on the half shell, throw some sliced tomatoes, onions a bit of lemon juice, salt, pepper.... let sit for an hour or so in the ice chest, fire up the pit and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or till meat is white....good grub