Rod Input needed...

[Bamaman1977]

Bought a penn 6/0 off ebay and looking at a semi inexpensive rod that the company rep says "should" be adequate for shark fishing from the pier at St Andrews. I know "You get what ya pay for" I've seen that mentioned dozens of times on other forums, but being a casual saltwater fisherman in search of a thrill, would this be adequate?

Shakespeare "Tidewater" series: Model BTW56
Line rating : 50-130lb
Length : 5' 6"
Guides : 6 + tip
Lure weight rating : 2-12oz
Rod Type : Solid Blank

Equipped with Stuart Ind. roller tip and strip guide rest are eyelets in between. I will be using 50lb mono primarily on the reel for this trip. What size shark will give this setup more than it can handle?

Only reason I'm considering this rod is cost, the wife gimme a $300 budget on getting fishing gear for this trip and already killed $90 getting the 6/0 off ebay.Any input would be greatly appreciated guys.

[JeepMike]

I have a Penn 6/0 as well paired with a Penn Jigmaster 500. I'm going after the bigboys with it!!! I just moved to the ocean, but I still did not jump right in and buy something super expensive. You might find out you don't enjoy shark fishing, idk how, but you might! I guarantee 99% of this forum started with Zebco 33's and worked their way on up!!!

The gear you got, go fishing!!

[kingfisherman23]

I have a Senator 6/0 paired with a Shakespeare BTW60 and I love it. The rod has plenty of backbone for anything I've come up against. Last October I fought a 9' tiger off Cherry Grove in SC and the rod was perfect. The 5'6" should work just as well, but the 6' seems to be a little lighter in the tip and has extra reach which I like for when you gotta manuever that toothy one around the pier once you bring him in.

Got mine for 59.99 from Dick's, which should leave you a healthy margin for rigs and such. :D

Speaking of rigs I have to throw in a reccomendation. Brad and Sons Tackle has the best deals I've found so far on shark rigs and materials. I ordered one of their kits and got a great deal on top-notch stuff. Definitely advise you to check them out. Brad & Sons Tackle (http://www.bst-lures.com/servlet/StoreFront)

One more thing, then I'll be done. I'd say drop down to 40# mono. You'll benefit from the extra capacity and unless you're not using wire leader you won't need to worry about bite-offs. I use 40 and like I said, capacity is almost everything. You gotta give 'em room to run! :)

[Bamaman1977]

Which model 60 you have the roller,non roller or only 2 roller model? and which line class?

[kingfisherman23]

30-80#, roller stripper and tip.