Fishing rod for mackerel, tuna, barracuda, etc?

[______]

I'm looking at fairly expensive jigging rods rated PE 5-6. and Shimano/Abu Garcia spinning reels.
Could someone clarify what pe 5-6 means? IE what size of fish are possible with this set up?
A friend of mine disagrees with that kind of tackle for sea fishing and recommends a boat rod (trawling) with casting reel. I don't like casting reels, and have never used one, as I've always gone for river and lake fishing.
Any advice welcome - and links to product sites.

Thanks.

[stop_makin_cents]

This depends on whether you want to use your new rod STRICTLY for offshore trolling OR you want to use it for Bridge/Pier/Jetty fishing ?

If your ONLY gonna use this rod/reel for trolling, (your Buddy is right) get a conventional (casting-type) with or without a level-wind and a boat rod.

If you want this outfit to do "double duty" as a Surf/Pier/Jetty fishing rod AND an offshore trolling rod get a Large Spinning outfit.

Not to say Spinning outfits won't work well offshore-they just cost a mint to get one that will last for any length of time.

Good conventional reels- Shimano Speed-master, Shimano Charter Special, Shimano Trinidad, Shimano Calcutta, Penn Internationals, Etc.

(Personally, Speed-masters are inexpensive, tough, & are easy to fix. I would buy a Speed-master if I were you.)

Best bet for Spinning- Daiwa Black Gold (BG30), Shimano Thunnus, or a Van Staal.

(Black Golds are inexpensive and tough as nails!)

If you don't trust my opinion, go to BassPro.com and read the reviews stated there.

Hope this helps? Good fishing!