Brian, you have 4 inches of height over me. You are definitely tall enough to load a rod all the way. My best advice would be to see Big Dave and get a lesson. I don't know what setup you have now, and you are right, I see lots of guys launching pencils halfway out there, but chances are you could do well with what you have. Like was suggested earlier , make one change at a time, consider a different reel, maybe smaller spool, who knows, sometimes the right combination will do it. Not everybody can afford every new rod that comes along. I still use a used lami 1322xra. I changed from my Emblem to my saltiga 4500 on my plugging rod and can send an M&D's pencil halfway out there now with even stronger line( the emblem had 30 lb powerpro and the saltiga has 40 lb powerpro).
Andy, ya I wish I could reach race point, I miss that place too much. Don't pay attention to my casting, I have my reel upsidedown(seriously).
