Due to the speed with which these fish can run, a smooth drag is very important to surviving the first strong run on a light tippet. Most fish weigh in at three to six pounds though a ten pounder is possible and an exceptionally fine fish. Casting to these same rips also works but the period of fly presentation is much shorter. This may not seem sporting, and isn't acceptable if a record fish is sought, but on some days it is the only high probability method. I can't tell you the number of times my clients have cast for half an hour with fish present without a take only to get an immediate hookup when I kicked the motor into reverse to move us away from the beach while their line was still in the water.
Speed is a definite ingredient in getting hookups.
I don't believe it is possible to retrieve too fast by hand. Long light leaders and flouro help as well. Working the fly just below the surface is usually the most successful technique. Bonito are the easier fish to catch and around here, an albacore an hour, even when you can see them feeding, is a good catch. When you do hookup, you can expect a wonderfully strong run of thirty to sixty yards for starters.