Nice set up HdW-looks good & very reasonable cost to( im a frugal/tightwad)- i like those Abu reels& getting bargin at walmart to.

How does that baitcaster feel on your thumb when casting?

how do you mean? I guess like any other baitcast seems to take a little more thumb pressure when casting heavy bank weights other than that its pretty easy to handle.

I mean, it doesn't burn the crap out of your thumb when applying pressure?

oh heck no! I do have some big conventional salt water reels that will give ya nice blister if dont wet your thumb before casting. but that abu garcia wont burn ya its like casting a big bass reel.