Shimanos are bulletproof! You will love them, no matter the model. I've got 8 shimanos! Which model did you get?

Shimano IX2000RC and Shimano IX4000RC

Odd thing about the baitcaster reel is that it cut my index finger to cast too much.

Cool!

What is wrong with DAIWA reels???

Nothing at all. I have 3.

Went out for an hour this morning, still learning the spinner cast timing. I am already noticing better distance on casts.

I can see one drawback to a spinner reel. This morning was gusty and it blew my line off the spool.

If you want to go back to baitcaster check out the H20 combos, not dirt cheap but they are very good for the money. I know Academy usually puts them on sale too. Those cheapo bait casters are tough to use and don't cast well. If you need to stick with the cheap stuff stick to the spinning reels.

Personally I think that the RIGHT set up is the one that will bring you the most pleasure. This smaller set up will let you actually feel the fight of the fish. These days everyone wants to do the tournament thing, drag that rascal to and into the boat as fast as possible! I used to fish with a Bantam 100 baitcaster on a VERY light rod. I had more fun with that set up than with any other baitcaster that I've ever owned. It made EVERY bass feel like a lunker!

I used smaller baits like 4" worms and Zara puppies and suddenly I was catching more fish than I ever had before. Along with the more fish, there were more bigger fish. I've caught bass up to 8lbs on this little rig and never lost one because it over powered me. In reality, bass aren't, pound for pound, all that strong fighters. They don't make long runs and generally tire pretty fast.

I used to do fishing classes for the state. We used little Shakespeare spin-casters. a couple of the kids over the years managed to hook a bigger bass. 4 to 5 lbs. Both of them managed to land their fish though one of them would have gone in the water if I hadn't grabbed his belt. LOL.

I personally own thousands of dollars worth of rods and reels. The Zebcos have probably put more fish on the table than all the rest together. You will enjoys your "UL" set up a lot and if that is true then you have the RIGHT set up.

If you have too much line on the spinning reels spool there's a chance it can fall off the spool easier. You just want about 90% of the spool filled. Too little line on the spool will make it harder to cast and too much will make it easier to fall off or get tangled. What spinning reel rods did you end up getting for the reels? For the 2000 size reels I have a 6 ft ML Tournament Choice Rod (old green one from about 7 years ago, there's a pic I posted in the Bank fishing section on Bass fish of the day where I caught a nice size bass off a RoadRunner) then I have my 4000 size reels on a 6'6 Tournament Choice ML and a 7 ft Heavy Action (Use for catfish and carp)

Looks like a good choice. I buy all my open face combo rods & reels from Academy usually for around $30, and ive been happy with them all. If you are ok fishing with a $30 combo, go for it. I fish with it, and it doesnt bother me one bit when the guy beside me is fishing with a $300 set up. Actually makes me feel better about my purchase when i can out fish him, lol

. This is precisely the reason I tell people the stay away from lower end baitcasters. My rule is to be willing to spend $100 + - $20 for a reel and same for a rod. This puts you in the area you need to be before buying what you can afford. Anything less, and you are throwing away money! You asked for honesty. You dont buy junk and expect it to perform.

Your disgust with a baitcaster is unwarranted, yet very common with many people. It didnt work out for you, so you revert to an open face spinning reel and never give a baitcaster a second chance. The bait caster cast farther. You have more accuracy in casting and you have greater sensitivity to feel the bite with. You have all around better equipment to land bigger fish with a baitcaster. The list goes on. But, if that is what you can afford, then let it serve you well.

If you are just fishing for pleasure of an outdoor recreation, fine. But, if you wish to be in an acceptable range to learn Bass Fishing 101, then you need to bring with you the supplies this school recommends.