I fish both my surf rods with low mount about 150mm from the end, I don't use a gimbal or bucket. You don't have the rod poking back between your legs, you can get a fair amount of leverage from this position but it takes getting used to reeling close to your body. This is where things can get caught up, like strings from waders or loose rain jackets, make sure everything is clear around your chest/waist before you start fighting your fish... Also as the reel is usually sitting lower in the rod stand as you go to lift rod into position be careful not to knock the free spool lever...
I cut the top ring on my old rod stand to make a U and turned it around, once there is tension on your rod it usually sits nice, strong on-shore makes it all a bit harder.
Yes slosh30 is a great reel. I have a Penn525 mag for sale if your interested?