I have always struggled with fast rod tips, mostly because if I try to cast short with them (sidearm) the bait always goes too far to the left. I heard on Bass Edge yesterday that beginners tend to cast sidearm, and that you generally shouldn't do that, that you should cast overhead. Bing! Another light bulb went off. Now I'm headed out to practice in the yard some more.
The season can't get here fast enough.
Congrats to KVD, winning the Citrus Slam today.