I posted yesterday regarding bait casting vs. spinning. Today I went to BPS and decided to try out a bait casting setup. I ends up getting the carbon lite rob and pro series reel setup Ina left hand retrieve and I really like it so far. I bought some practice plugs and threw it around in the yard today and was able to pick up the sidearm cast in the first few minutes and I didn't have any bird nests (yet, I'm sure I will get one soon haha). Tomorrow is the test and will be my first time ever using one on the water. Thanks for the advice and for the posts the other day, I am glad I gave it a shot and really like the setup.

Congratulations.  I am sure you will like it a lot.  Was at the boat ramp today getting a little casting practice in.  Can't get too much. 

That's a nice combo which should serve you well. Practice is half the fun. Catching your first bass on one is the other half. Then it becomes just fun. Enjoy it!

That has the easy cast thing on it right?  I thought that was a pretty cool system. Also, congrats on your first baitcaster. I'm not trying to be the devils advocate here really, but you should return it and get a little bit nicer reel.  The Pro Tourney for example (when on sale).  From my experience, you suffer in casting distance with those cheaper baitcasters, beginner or not.  Also, a nicer baitcaster will last you much, much longer.  Just my two cents.  Not trying to be rude.

speaking of left hand retrieve..it seems most baitcast users want a left hand retrieve.. it just makes sense, we'd rather keep the rod in our right hand.. why havent they made this a standard yet?

prior to any casting practice, learn the proper setup of the reel and each different bait they will be different, if u don't do that u will end up getting a rats nest on almost each cast...that is the first thing to do then practice short casts and get longer with time...

as for left vs right I don't know why most reels in the store are right handed, fits me great as I am left handed but I do know most offer a left hand model just have to search online or ask the store.