i think it helps if you start out using a smaller rod but yet one you can use two hands on. i had a freind that just started bait casting & he was using a 5'6" pistol grip rod (beacause that's what he used when using a spincaster) & he had a very tough time learning to bait cast with that rod. i let hin use a 6'6" rod that alowed him to use both hands & it really helped him alot.