New to pinning need tips

I got a center pin reel, a Loomis, and a 11' 6 " St. Croix float rod.  I have practiced casting a few times,  I usually rig it with a blackbird float and about 5 bbs  staggered in about a 4 ft length for practice.  I find my best cast to go around 10 feet.  Usually when i attempt to cast i will pull on the line to get the spool moving as i am casting.  I would like to get longer distances, and learn to figure out lead to float ratios.  My biggest problem has been a lack of practice i think.  I usually find my self regressing to the spinning outfit as I travel 130 mile one way to fish and am more into landing fish than practicing.

I would appreciate any help on rigging, casting etc.  These float rods seem deadly.

Oh I do have questions about fishing shallow water also.  The little foam acorn bobbers seem best for this on a spinning rod  but then again my full understanding of float fishing is not real good yet,  I have read books on float fishing.  They cover all reels from float to spinning, to bait casters.

Anyone willing to teach a newb I am game!!



Thanks 

This is a good link with pics for shotting patterns that will help you understand the concept a little better.

http://www.raventackle.com/Shotting%20Patterns.pdf

And add more weight to your practice rig; like 10 to 20 BBs....the more the better, especially at first. Then you can reduce the weight as your comfort level increases. I also learned that while wallis/pull casting, you need a lead of line about as long as your rod to get effective longer casts.....Good luck.