You're off to a strong start, Kenny - congrats and a thumbs up to the angler for the C&R...
I'm curious, what blank was the rod built on?
"There is no royal road to this heavy surf-fishing. With all the appliances for comfort experience can suggest, there is a certain amount of hard work to be done and exposure to be bourne as a part of the price of success." From "Striped Bass," Scribner's Magazine, 1881.