I believe the Capt. hit on the problem with your distance...It's the stripper guide.
Most pre-made rods have the the first guide sized too small.
If you go to somewhere like The Sports Authority and look at all of the rods, you will notice the first guide is very small. These rods will be okay for a conventional reel but not too good for a big spinning reel.
Compare a custom built rod's first guide to the above mentioned rods and you will see the difference.
Rather than give up on the rod, either have someone change the guide for you, or do it yourself.
I think you will see a big improvement.
Most pre-made rods have the the first guide sized too small.
If you go to somewhere like The Sports Authority and look at all of the rods, you will notice the first guide is very small. These rods will be okay for a conventional reel but not too good for a big spinning reel.
Compare a custom built rod's first guide to the above mentioned rods and you will see the difference.
Rather than give up on the rod, either have someone change the guide for you, or do it yourself.
I think you will see a big improvement.
