Gone Fishing

So everyone here goes fishing with those giant sea fishing rods. I went out and couldn't catch anything, but people around me were, and the difference was they could cast a ton further than me to where the fish were (everyone was using powerbait). Well today I went to the tackle shop and was able to get 12 foot shakespeare rod and reel for £35. I don't even know if I can cast the thing, but if I do it'll reach the other side of the lake. Gonna give it a try later this week, weather permitting.