Dave,
I think it was Harlan that mentioned studding the bottom of the basker with heavy mono. I think the point of the mono studs is to seperate the loops of fly line to reduce tangling. He also provided the tip on using a bungee cord (which does sound safer than a belt).
I would be happy to share what I know about saltwater flyfishing with you. Where do you plan to do most of your fishing? I spend most of my time on the Kennebec River and Casco Bay in Maine.