My fishing background is primarily east coast.... Cape Hatteras North Carolina to be exact.
The rods im using are probably similar to the surf rods mentioned in the post above. General rule of thumb for distance casting (at "the point", you need 100-150yd casts every time if you want to catch the big drums or stripers) extend your arm straight out to your side at shoulder level. Take the butt of your rod and put it into your arm pit. Where your "reel hand" is now holding onto the cork is where you should place your reel.
I use this same method when setting up my rods for throwing iron. It might look a little different then everyone else. But if you really know how to fling the iron and utilize a solid distance casting technique (i.e. Hatteras Cast ect.) It'll feel really comfortable when you push with your "reel hand" and pull with your "cork hand" into the butt of your arm pit.
Trust me it works wonders for distance. Proof is in these pics...
