[Coop]

I use a modified OTG cast with about 8' of drop. A true modified OTG is when the drop (leader) is about 90* from the rod. My drop is no where near 90* and in fact it's probably more like 20*.

I have seen others who do a OTG/Pendulum and they tend to spray it a bit. Sure you can cast further but if you spray it to the right/left, you just loss that 10 yards you gained by going out in an angle. I know I can spray it a bit when doing both style casts by the book so I found a way to cast it down the middle more consistently. Everybody has different way of casting. Sam uses a hatteras style cast and gets it out there really good and he is able to wade out a bit and cast. I, for whatever reason, have a problem casting when I am in waist to chest high water. My point is, cast whatever way allows you to cast straight and far. There really is no correct way to cast, it's like the golf swing. Some of the best pga pros have some of the ugliest, technically incorrect swings and can still bomb a ball out in the fairway, straight. The same is true with casting. If you decide to try to improve distance and start using the OTG/pend, just practice or even take a lesson and when it starts going straight consistently, take it on the beach and start throwing.

Now on distance and catching. Steve is right. For most fish you can cast anywhere from 10 yards to 125 yards and catch fish. A couple springs ago I had a great season and thought it was distance that I gained from tweeking my cast. In reality, I really wasn't throwing much further than any other guy, but just was in the right spot at the right time. This spring, I only caught one stinking striper and not one drum in the fall. Just don't get caught up in all the hype about distance. Sure, it's better to cast as far as you can and you will be able to cover more water but don't think thats why you are not catching. IMO, the keys to good fishing are 1. good bait 2. changing bait often (knock the crabs off, don't sit) 3. good spot (I have caught just as many fish in what I thought were bad spots, go figure but a good spot will greatly improve your chance) 4.LUCK. Once hooked, you need the skill. Critter Gitter is probably one of the best weight and bait fisherman. From what I hear, he fishes HARD. IMO, that is the key to catching!

Surf fishing is alot of luck but once you are hooked up, then the skill takes over. IMO, its luck hooking into a large, but landing a large from the surf is all skill.

If you are looking for info on OTG or pendulum, just search the web and there is tons of info. Tommy Farmer is one of the best.

I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving!