what am i doing wrong

[jfisher]

i've been having trouble getting good casting distance. I'm using a 9' rod for plugs and a 10' rod for bait. The 9' is rated 1-5 but the sweet spot is about 3. The 10' is rated 4-8. I'm using lead in that range and still am not getting good casting distance. the reels are designed for the surf-light wieght-large core-shallow spool-tall spool-metal spool lip. im using the technique like loostening the lug nuts on a tire, pulling down hard with the left hand while punching hard withthe right. I'm using 20 pound mono. is there any thing i can do besides using braid?
Please help.

[Notaro]

How many feet did you cast?

[DaveS]

Drop down to 17# or 15# mono, and use a shock leader of around 50#, that should help.

[BigBo]

What DaveS said. Also, don't bring your offering all the way up to the rod tip. Let it dangle down even to the ground. When you follow through, it'll give a good whipping action. Just make sure no one is standing right behind or next to you. Keep practicing!

[Notaro]

Are you a beginner, jfisher?

[Raven]

baitcaster or spinning? i assume spining...i've been using spider wire with a flourocarbon leader and it casts a mile