Hey Ralph, I cannot say that I am interested in beating the Earl that you mentioned. As you continue to get better @ casting; hopefully I can keep up with you. I have been enjoying learning how to cast further. Also, my homeschooling is going pretty good. I had alot of fun just unhooking my wife's drum and striper and rebaiting. A quick note about casting further; The FISH that my wife caught; WERE NOT OUT VERY FAR!!!!! I did use My 12" Tica; but it had an 8oz. sinker on it & a big piece of bait. The suburban is a big vehicle. It really rides in the sand nice & my wife loves to drive it also; on the beach! The kids loved the Ocracoke ferry ride. see ya, pelican man.