Ron Arra’s distance casting accomplishments include:
- In 1983 Ron broke the DuPont Stren U.S. Open "Distance Surf Casting" world record with a cast of 212 yards with a 4oz bank sinker and an 11' rod.
- First American to cast over 600' and 700’ in Tournament Competition”
- New National Record cast of 758.44' in the 1985 USA Sport Cast Tournament.
- First person to ever cast across the Cape Cod Canal with a distance of nearly 800'.
- In 1985, Ron was recognized by Sports Illustrated for the new United States record, and was presented an engraved silver bowl as part of their long-running segment "Faces in the Crowd."
- In 2000, Ron was invited to demonstrate his advanced casting techniques to a highly qualified pool of worldwide outdoor writers at the Outdoor Life Magazine function at the Sandanona country club in Fishkill, NY.
In addition to his many speaking engagements and casting demonstrations, at some of the most attended expos in the country, Arra also conducts private distance casting lessons that draw anglers from around the world.
Ron Arra's name has been submitted to the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall Of Fame & Museum’s list of candidates.
The name Ron Arra is now a registered US trademark that is being featured on a line of Century Signature Series Surf Rods and Strike Pro lures.
As a teenager in his home town of Needham, MA, Ron was awarded the "Outstanding Athlete" trophy two years in a row in Track and Field and was selected by the Boston Red Sox Scouting Program to the starting team, centerfield position at Fenway Park, Boston, MA for the Randolph Hearst New England all star team in 1964. He was one of only 41 players selected from New England for this honor. Ron soon after signed a professional contract and played baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
After attending the University of Massachusetts - Boston Vocational Technical Education Program, Ron became a Massachusetts Certified Vocational Technical Teacher. As a Master Woodworker, Arra went on to teach woodworking for 22 years at an alternative education program for special needs students and troubled youths.