Get a stripping basket. It will greatly improve your fishing with better line management and longer casts. When the tide is moving, the line you strip in will be carried away down current by the tide. The last thing you want to do is try to cast a line that might be floating 40 ft or more down current from you. If you have a basket, your line will be right there, ready to cast.
The basket will also reduce tangles, keep seaweed off your line and increase your casting distance. I won't fish the beaches without one.

It is really simple to make your own. Here is a picture of my $5.00 Rubbermaid basket I've had for 10 year. On the extreme side, Orvis sell a nice basket, but it is expensive.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product_choic...1&feature_id=17

LL Bean used to have a similar basket for $20.00, but it is now discontinued. I've heard rumors they may bring it back now due to demand. I've never been a fan of the mesh baskets.