I'd like to be able to consistently cast 100+ feet, often using live bait from Florida Gulf coast fishing piers or just surf fishing. I have two Shimano 6500 Bait Runner reels and a model 3500 of the same kind. The rods I have are somewhat short and strong, something I thought I'd need for hauling fish from wate r up to pier. But now, I wish I had something that would allow me to effortlessly fling bait over a 100'. I'm a good caster, but I feel I don't have the kinds of rod it takes to put some power into the tip during backswing. I look at the hundreds of rods at the large tackle outlets, and I my eyes just fog over at the sheer number to select from. Asking store personnel has not always been the best way to gain good information. So, I'm asking the experts. Hope you can help. If you need more information, please ask. I'd really like to have a rod that will allow me to reach where I want to go.

Thanks folks,

Gary/Pinellas Park, FL