I have found that the Revo S by Abu to be a really well made dependable baitcaster. It casts light to heavy with ease, I also feel that matching the rod weight/action to the lure weight to be very important. I bought 4 revos last year and got a pfleuger president given to me as gift for fixing a guys truck. I like them both and was going to buy when another pfleuger when that friend turned me to the revos. I bough mine at Bass Pro, but have since found them at walmart for $40.00 less around $90.00 apiece at walmart. As far as rods go I like the Rick Clunn casting series and the bass pro graphite series, not super expensive but If you match the line lure and action closely they work just as well and are really sensitive. The easiest way to learn is with a heavy weight and the cast control tight and cast short distances then as your skill rises loosen the cat control and cast further, trying different styles of cast ie over hand side arm underhand pitch and flips. Hope this helps. tr