I bought a Penn 555GS conventional and with the help of the Penn website matched it to a 7' Penn Slammer. My goal was to get a combo that would do double duty as a boat rod for light trolling and jigging, which it has done exceptionally well. I also wanted to be able to cast it in certain instances (boat or shore) wherein lies my problem. I have a feeling I know the answer, but a confirmation and any recommendations would he helpful. I don't find I'm getting the distance I expected though the reel is certainly capable of it. I'm thinking the rod is too short and stiff to adequately load it for a decent cast and may also be relating to some of my backlashes. My druther is to cast from shore with it.
Is a longer (i.e., 10-12' medium/heavy) rod and an understanding that one rod/reel combination isn't capable of handling every situation a possible solution to my casting woes. Ideally, I would like to throw 3+ oz. tin, and wood poppers and needlesfish I bought from another NJ member and finished myself.

Jim,

You may want to add some more info to get some feedback such as the pound test of the line you are using and type ie mono or braid and rod spec's such as med heavy 1/2oz-11/2oz. A longer rod helps in distance but loading depends more on rod's rating and lures you are using.

Thanks for asking, Jeff. (As a matter of fact I am responding from work and my boss just walked in, looked at my screen and asked what I was doing. I took a chace and told him I was trying to get some medical information on-line. He seemed to buy it, in case anyone else ever gets caught).
Anyway, my Penn Slammer is a 7' Heavy rod rated for 1-6oz lures and 20-50 lb test line. I'm using 25 lb Ande clear. The reel is rated for 600/20, but like I said 25 is what I'm using. I do get better results at the heavier end, experimenting with some 6oz metal, but the problem is that's heavy stuff when casting and it sinks so damn fast you gotta retreive it like a madman to keep it off the bottom.
Question I should have asked before, is there any problem with putting my conventional on a big spinning rod I have to test out the theory?.

Jim 25lb test mono is pretty heavy line overall for the beach but its not necessarily what is restricting your casting distance. I am no expert but most rods have a sweet spot or weight that loads just right resulting in good distance.

Personally for line I like to fish 17lb test off the beach when there is no chance of hangups or obstructions. You could try one of the newer type lines like Whiplash to maybe get a little more distance.