OK, first let's not make this a debate on conventional vs. Spinning, I get that spinning reels are easier.

The gear: A Shimano Curado 300E and a Lamiglass Vedder 10-20 . I plan to use a different line when my spare spool arrives from Shimano, but for now I have 30lb power pro on the reel.

I adjusted the cast control so that the 1/4 oz float and 1/4oz jig barely fall to the ground in free spool.

At fist I started out trying to finess the case not loading up the rod, trying to use minimal thumb feathering. Did not have a lot of success.

I then tried and had better success casting with more force, and more thumb. I then begin to load the rod a little with the cast and stuck to the heavier thumb, and was pretty consistent with 40 ft casts, and some out to fifty or sixty feet.

I have come to the conclusion I can't overhand cast this set-up, but rather have to come sidearm or almost underhand.

Anyone have some advice, how far are you getting out there with your float and bait-caster, how often to you give yourself a nest? Are you using ample thumb, or have you developed a motion and reel setting that allows you minimal thumb?