RE: baitcasting reels
Check the spool tension and make sure it is not to loose. To test this press the button to release the spool and let the lure fall about 5-6 feet and hit the floor of the boat, your spool should stop somewhat quickly and not keep spinning. Then make sure your magnet is set as high as it will go (as you get better you can take your magnet down). Make sure you put your thumb on the spool before your lure hits the water (Very Important). Don't try to cast Fast and Long, slow it down and don't go for distance, after you get better and take your magnet down you will get greater distances. Lighter is harder to throw and don't cast into the wind (this will give you problems). On the heavy lures casting with too much power for distance will give you a mess to. A slow steady cast from the side is easier than over head.
If you ever get a second casting reel and rod the Cabelas Prodigy casting reel is a geat reel and very easy to cast it has a cintrifical and magnetic break and for an extra $60 you can get the XML rod ($140 rod) in a combo.
Just a hint if you put 20 pound Power Pro on your bait caster it has 6 pound diameter and has no memory, so unlike mono if you bend it in a rat nest it won't stay that way. It will make getting the rat nests you do get easier to get out.
That is all I can think of right now. Good luck