I am very excited to say that I purchased my first baitcaster reel today after I got off work

 

I purchased a Lew's Speed Spool 6:4:1 to go along with a 7' MH Speed Stick. Both of them together felt amazing.

 

I cannot wait to get out and start using her!

 

Thanks to everyone who had opinions and recommendations to all of my posts!

To add one more thing.....
 

What line do you recommend I spool this up with? 

Nice!!  I am sure you will enjoy it.  Although I might suggest you practice out in the yard to get the hang of it and get it dialed in first.  Nothing can be more frustrating than getting out on the lake, taking a few casts and then getting a huge over-run b/c you are not used to it yet.  Tight lines!!

If this is your first bait-caster I would suggest mono in whatever lb test you feel you will need for the situation.  It is cheap and you will probably have some over-runs that you will loose line on. 

Fishing line.

Just kidding. Mono works well when you are learning to use a baitcaster, usually 12-14 lb. test. It's cheap to learn with. I have read other people's opinions, too, and some say other types. Mono worked for me, and I didn't feel so bad messing up the line with backlashes since it was inexpensive.

I'd definitely start with a cheap line just-in-case. Usually that means mono.

 

Cast a casting plug out as far as you can, then lay a piece of electrical tape down on the spool. This way you won't birds nest the entire spool, just the line for that cast.

 

And practice.

Any opinions on how to tune this reel for best usage for a beginner?

Get some YoZuri 12#. Its cheap enough that you wont mind losing some, and strong enough that if you get an overrun, it wont break off.

5 is a good all around setting but you may want to start higher. I have an MG and its similar in braking

 

this may help, its at the top of the forum

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/how-to-cast-baitcast.html

Any opinions on how to tune this reel for best usage for a beginner?

Dave, if you are new to baitcasters, turn the break dial on 10, and tighten the tension enough that you can hold the rod at 9a o clock or paralell to the ground and release the spool. The lure should slowly fall and hit the ground without over running.

This is gonna make for short casts but focus on accuracy to targets. As you gain timing with thumbing the spool you can turn the breaks down little by little.

The Speed spool is a terrific reel. Good luck.

I bought My first baitcaster this summer as well. I put some p-line floroclear 12 lb  on it. I got out in the yard and practiced!!! the only time i have any birds nest , is when im casting into the wind. Teals advice is correct.   enjoy bro

12# Yo Zuri Hybrid

Buy a spool of 12# Trilene Big Game. It will serve you well for learning (and fishing) and won't cost much. If you decide to step up to more advanced lines, you'll have plenty of backing line.

 

Tom

big game in 12 or 15 lbs test.can be had at walmart for cheap.I would also recommend a 3/8 or 1/2 practice plug or jig for learning to cast with.