i found some Live release gloves made by "Under Armor" that work fantastic!! they are superlight, shed water very well, and stretch to your finger size....
educated thumb means... PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.... go to the local pond, park, or wherever- and cast, cast cast.... then when you have it down to a science- cast into 20 mph wind while your buddy pushes you all around to simulate boat movement... casting into the wind with movement is tricky. DO NOT GET YOUR FINGER CAUGHT IN THE SPECTRA WHEN IT BACKLASHES.. you can actually LOOOOOSE a finger that way. Spectra cuts wet skin like a hot knife in butter....
I had no problems with the spectra once I put the under armor gloves on.. I was afraid the spectra would cut thru the material, but it never did.... ANd several times I wrapped the spectra around my hand a few times to lift the blackfin up and over the rail.
one tip I will give- I have found I cast further when I dont try my hardest... start slow, and work your way to the "sweet spot".. dont overwork the rod- meaning trying your hardest and actually causing the line to create a lot of drag against the guides.. it slow the line down. Use the rod the way it is desgined, rare back and let it load, then lob it out there... you will be suprised when you learn to relax and use the rod. I was.