Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I decided to change tactics and go with throwing 7" shads instead. They're around 4 oz. and much more managable. I might just end up going with a conventional in the future though.
Funny thing is, it wasn't the shad they wanted anyway. It was the 6" sluggo! Sand eels are around in a big way! The last two days have been sick!
I own, and swear by ticas. My wife bought me a 9' Tica 2 piece. It is awesome for throwing heavy weight, and still feeling all of the action. I have 30 power pro braid, and with a decent reel one can launch a 9" Shad.
I have to say, I am very impressed with my new Lami XS101MHS, the 10' surf and jetty rod. It is rated for 3-6, it casts the 9" tsunami shads pretty well, and absolutely launches a 3 oz pencil.