My old Dad was active in a midwestern community and got given recognition gifts of fishing tackle, which he never used much -- not knowing one end of a fish from the other.  I, however, being a lifelong trout fisherman (mostly fly and some spinning tackle) wish to learn how to use this great looking gear:

The Rod:  Lamiglas Series G 500; N386 MC; 8'6" Medium Graphite

    Line Wt. 8-12 lbs.  Lure Wt. 3/8 -3/4

Two Reels: 1) Daiwa Millionaire 3H Hi Speed

   2) Shimano Bantam 100 "Designed for Professionals"

I've never used bait casting gear before, and don't even know what weight line to rig ---For that matter, I'm not even certain these reels are suitable for the rod!  I know Newbies can be a pain, but can someone point me in the right direction of how to get started?

get them cleaned up!  8'6 is a huge rod!  dont know what you'd use that for..

That Lamiglas rod is a steelhead rod. I have a rogue river and a certified pro Lamiglas steelhead spinning rod and they're pretty nice rods.

You're right I think...The only info I could find on the rod suggested it was suitable for steelhead.  I don't think I've heard of bait casting gear being used for steelhead tho.

I actually live near the ocean, and was thinking of using this equipment to put together a surf fishing/rock fishing set up.

The reels were barely used and in the orginal box or carry pouch.  I have cleaned the dust off of 'em.

Right now I need to decide what kind of line to load on them --type of line and weight.  The rod says it wants 8-12 lb line.  Do you know if that weight range is OK for these reels?  (I can find lots of references and sales etc for these reels, but no useful info about how to use them! Frustrating. :-/

You're right I think...The only info I could find on the rod suggested it was suitable for steelhead. I don't think I've heard of bait casting gear being used for steelhead tho.

I actually live near the ocean, and was thinking of using this equipment to put together a surf fishing/rock fishing set up.

The reels were barely used and in the orginal box or carry pouch. I have cleaned the dust off of 'em.

Right now I need to decide what kind of line to load on them --type of line and weight. The rod says it wants 8-12 lb line. Do you know if that weight range is OK for these reels? (I can find lots of references and sales etc for these reels, but no useful info about how to use them! Frustrating. :-/

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1299426258/5#5

Tells how to adjust the brakes and spool tention.

I'm not familiar with those reels so I couldn't tell you which would be the beter reel to use.  For line go buy some cheep mono in 12# since that's the upper end of what your rod is rated for and practice with that.  A heavier weighted lure is easier to cast so since your rod is rated to 3/4, start with a 3/4oz sinker on the end of the line and practice with that till you're comfortable casting and then change things up.

As stated, your Lamiglas is a drift rod.  The G500 series was an entry level low modulus graphite. The Millionaire was an entry level reel.  The Shimano Bantam is a collectable to be honest.  They sold for about 40 to fifty bucks and a good one in the box fetches a hundred bucks. They are great keep sakes.

If you really insist on using the reels , at least have them professionally cleaned and lubed.

Thanks all...good to know info.

Why wouldn't I use these reels? Implication made that this wouldn't be a good idea?

You're right I think...The only info I could find on the rod suggested it was suitable for steelhead.  I don't think I've heard of bait casting gear being used for steelhead tho.

Actually, it's used more than you think.  If you go out steelheading outside of the classic spring runs, you'll see a lot less of the spin-fisher types, and more fly, pinners, and casters out there.  Casting gear makes more sense for drift fishing, if you think about - its easier to hit the thumbar and feed line than flip the bail.