It is not uncommon to find fish of several hundred pounds lurking within yards of the shore.  Nurse sharks, Hammerhead sharks, Blacktip Sharks and Lemon sharks are just some of the species of sharks you can catch from shore.  A stout heavy action rod is a must.  You also will need a reel that can hold two hundred yards of heavy line; I advise using braided line of at least fifty pound weight class when targeting sharks.  Sharks have big strong mouths that can bend a cheap hook to the point you will lose the fish.  Invest in several large quality hooks that can withstand the pressure that these fish can dish out.
 
Remember that when you fish from shore you have fewer options when playing a fish.  You often have obstructions to worry about and you also are not able to allow a fish to rip off as much line as you can in a boat.  You need therefore to gear up heavy because the need will arise to horse a fish rather than play with it.
 
There are also several pieces of equipment that will make the experience more rewarding and successful.  An aerated bait bucket is a great idea.  Keeping your bait fresh and lively will often be the difference in catching a large amount of fish.  You also will need a net with a large enough handle to land any large fish you will catch.  A chum cage to hold your chum block is advised. I have on more than one occasion watch a shark come right to the shore an attack a chum block.

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