Keep your plan and get your 12 lb mono to practice. Easier with a thicker line of 12 than 6 or 8. And honestly, mono I think is best all around line to fish with one setup.

i taught my 5 year old nephew to cast a Abu Garcia Black Max 3 consistently. very easy to tune

12# mono or co-polymer is my choice for most of my MH rods.  I prefer this type of line for the majority of my fishing.  Braid and fluorocarbon go on very few reels.  Never used either of those items, but have a couple Abu reels and several Fenwick rods.  I've always felt I got good value for my money with Fenwick.  My Abus are nice, but they are an STX and a couple Premiers.  In your place I probably would have waited for Academy to have a sale on their Mettle reels.  Aluminum frame versus a graphite frame, and the reel gets very good reviews.

However, too late now.  I hope you enjoy your new combo.  Baitcast reels are a joy to use.....once you get the casting part down.