Thanks guys. Glad it helped.
Just might take you up on your offer Drew. Not too often I find someone willing to row anymore.

The weight I was using was a 1/4 oz (7 gm) inline sinker inside a plastic practice golf ball, which BTW is kinda fun to cast across the grass in the dark. It not only helps with touch and timing, but sometimes I can even get an owl to come down and attack it right in front of me. The first time freaked me out! Been trying to photograph this, but without success so far. Bird's nests can be really nasty tho.

As stated, it can be easier to use heavier weights to start out with. But there's really no need to overweight to get long casts if you have a decent float rod.

BTW, this is really great advice:
Biggest problem most folks have is casting too fast or too hard, like they were spin or bait casting. It's more like spey fishing, give the rod and reel a chance to do the deed.