DJ: Bill, I would say that instead of trying to go straight to the top it is better to build a solid foundation and work your way up slow and steady. That said, will it take you years to become a great surfman? No! I think it comes down to how you apply yourself to what you are doing. I know guys that have been fishing for 20 years and still don't get it. They fall into bad habits and become extremely narrow-minded believing that what worked yesterday will still work today. I don't believe that I believe that being flexible is the key to success today as a surfcaster.
 
The bottom-line: Work really hard and be a good student and it will pay off.

From NJ, Dan askes:
Question: "DJ, It is obvious by reading your articles that you prefer the rubber shads and the metal-lipped surface lures. Do you fish anything else!!?? By the sounds of it I kind of seriously doubt it!"

Dan,
If I fished just those two lures exclusively I would still do quite well, but that said, if I used just those two I would not be very flexible would I? One of my most productive lures are the poppers, either pencils or polaris, at times even the old standard poppers. I feel that popper usage is a much needed asset in the surfcaster's technique-arsenal. If you really want to be good learn to work the poppers.

Dan, I would be remiss if I did not mention that I am a big bait tosser, provided the time is right. If you really did read my stuff you would see that I do preach bait for big bass.

Thanks for sending the question.

Steve M. from Rhode Island asks:
Question: "OK DJ set me straight, are you Doc Mullers son or
nephew??  I have heard both answers!"

DJ: Steve, awesome question, I get this one a lot actually.
Although I often joke saying "Oh you mean my Uncle Bill?"
I am not related to William "Doc" Muller in any way. It is just
me alone. I like it that way!

Tony from NJ:
Question: "What is your favorite lure? Is there one that is best for striped bass fishing?"

DJ: Tony-That is a tough question because there are many good lures and I feel that it really depends on where you are fishing and what size bass it is that you seek.
If I had to give my top 3 that I would feel very, very confident in using I would say: #1. 9-inch Slug-Go. #2. Either polaris or pencil popper. #3 Tsunami swim shad, 6 inch being the best all around size. Honorable Mention: Metal-lipped surface swimmer and loaded 7-inch Red Fin.