So I have practiced in the backyard with this combo, and did ok for a beginner. I find that sidearm casting is easiest, and overhead is pretty difficult for me at this time. I have to turn the brakes on too high to get any distance overhand with this reel. However, I'm sure it's more me being new than the reels fault.
I figure if I can manage on this cheapo combo when I upgrade to a nicer reel I'll be that much better. I did catch a silver max on a lightning pole in the pond a few years back that didn't look like it had been down for too long, but since I no very little about baitcasters I didn't want that to be my learning piece. Maybe I'll clean it up a bit and see what happens.