beginner baitcaster - need help with setup i purchased.

[frenzy731]

Hey guys, so I'm newer to baitcasting, decided to buy my own setup and ended up with a kastking royale legend elite reel (the 8.1:1) with 12 lb test mono on it and for the rod i am using a kastking Perigee II 7'1" Medium power. i have only been casting the weight specified lures between 1/4 - 5/8 oz. the bites been tough, haven't caught anything yet but I am slightly beginning to think that it is too fast of a reel for crankbaits - which is my go to. any suggestions as to if I'm thinking correctly or tips for crankbaits whether or not i should be using on the heavier spectrum of them? thanks for the replies in advanced. 

[Bud Kennedy]

Your beginner selection will be just fine.  While an 8:1 is likely too fast for most retreives in the crank and spinnerbait categories.  You simply need to slow down about 50 -60 %.  The baits you select to use and your environmental conditions will guide you to select an applicable bait.  This whole deal will be more about your baits and where and when you are using them more than anything.  Allow the bass to tell you what they want by experimenting with different types of baits and presentations.  I think that as you gain more knowledge and skills you will be better suited to choose different reels and rods when the time is right.  Good luck, and hang in there and spend time on the water.  You will learn something new each day.
Don't be afraid to vary your retrieves.  Some fast, some slow, some medium and maybe even a stop and start style of presentation 

[frenzy731]

awesome, i will have to be more aware to my retrieval and keep trying a variety of baits and weights (within specs of course). greatly appreciate the feedback!

[zippyduck]

Bud is right on with his answer.
Any other problems let us know. We will try to help out as much as we can around here.