First Baitcaster.. Thoughts

[Raymurda]

What's up fellas! I decided it was time to step it up a bit and purchased my first baitcaster.  I went with the Abu Garcia hank Parker edition. It was 100 bucks at wally world but I got it for a discounted price. I ended up paying 29.99 due to a error on the tags. Kinda felt bad but kept my trap shut. Anyhow what's your thoughts on this combo and what line should I rig it up with? It's a 7 foot medium / heavy one piece rod. Thanks. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I prefer a reel with centrifugal brakes and think they are easier to learn on. I'm not sure what exact reel is on that combo though. Spool it up with some soft 12# mono like Trilene XL. Fill the spool to just below the bevel on the spool rim. Peel off about 125' of line put a strip of electrical tape around the spool. This will limit how deep any inevitable backlash will get. Read the articles about reel setup and the "thumb trick" for removing backlashes. Practice with a weight in the upper 1/2 of the rods lure weight range and do nice easy casts. The distance will come but you want to be smooth and accurate first and foremost.

[Chris9999]

Follow everything that DVT said and I can not stress enough of practicing before you get on the water. You should be able to hit targets medium distance away accurately and not backlash almost at all before you hit the water, because trust me. Nothing sucks more then getting to the water and birdsnesting the reel so badly that you cannot fix it right there.

[JayKumar]

I would go heavier than 12, but that's just my preference. With that rod, 15 ought to do it.

[Raymurda]

Just got off work and going to go pick up some line.  12lb I'll grab. Got a small Lake within walking g distance so I'm going to head there and give it a go. Don't want to be in the street casting. I'll report back. 

[Tywithay]

I would go heavier than 12, but that's just my preference. With that rod, 15 ought to do it.

12lb XL is 15lb line, by diameter. It's also softer and easier to cast for a beginner.