Hi buddy,
Some feedback below, I own a couple of the 'C' series...650 / 700.
1. You don't need to go too heavy on the beach for sharks of that range...Something like Tortue or Platypus Lo-Stretch 15kg will do the job. Beef up your leader to 60/80lb.
2. As with all Alvey rigs, make sure you have a swivel before the rest of your rig (60/80lb). I use a running star sinker (up to 115g), and snooded 8/0's. Don't need wire, but be prepared to lose some rigs with mono.
With a 'C' style drag system, you balance the drag setting as required with the tip of your index finger as needed. The good thing with an Alvey is that you can always switch off the drag and use the 1:1 ratio, palming with your hand for drag. To get really familiar with it, just keep going out there and using the reel. Practise in daytime too and even go to a park and practise there.
Bronzies are around at the moment too...look for a late high tide (e.g. anywhere from 8 to 11p.m.) and full moons are good too. May - April see's a big run if whalers on the beaches. Butterflied baits are good, as is Squid too...the fresher the better.
Whaler's initial strikes are good, and usually they'll leap out of the air when hooked, so that's a dead giveaway there's a whaler on the other side of your rig....they usually run along the beach with fast head shakes, but are easily subdued if you take your time.
S.