Bob,
There are a few Stripers caught every year in the Santa Cruz to Moss Landing area. Nothing like you would see at Pacifica, but I did manage 4 last year. They went 13, 11 and 8#'s with 1 dink. Keep in mind that usually I don't make trips targeting Stripers in this area. I usually get them when I see something happening while going for Halibut. I always try to bring 2 rods, one with a swimbait for the Hali's and one that I'll throw a Spook or Popper on. The most epic day i've seen at New Brighton Beach, 12 Stripers hit the beach all in the 10-15# range. This was the day I got the 13 which actually hit a swimbait that I was waiting for it to hit bottom in 12' from my Kickboat. If I strictly targeted Stripers, I'm sure I could average somewhere around 2 for every 3 trips averaged through the season. There is guy who lives between the Capitola Peir and New Brighton Beach. He always has a fat cigar and often has a fat Striper too. He showed me his log one time and he averaged 9# a day from May through October, and he usually quits before Noon.
Joe,
I know Spinning reels are more popular for throwing PP's, and some guys can work up a good cadence with them. I just like the added power, line capacity, lightweight, and smaller size I get with a good baitcaster. BTW I saw the video! and yes "This IS how we do it!!" }( Big congrats!

Tight lines,
Wade