How to start bait casting?

[Bender]

One last thing to consider is getting a used combo if you can find one. Might get a higher quality rig for the same price.
I would spend more on the reel than the rod though. My first baitcaster was a $30 Quantum and I hated it, was always backlashing, and swore off them for nearly a year. Got about a dozen of them now and I found that old Quantum recently and took a look at it, what a piece of junk! It was missing a bushing under the cast control spool and I never would have been able to cast well with it no matter what. Just my experience on the subject.
For something like that the Daiwa Excellor is a good reel IMO, $60-70. You can now get them in high speed too, 7:1 or so with a red logo. There are other good ones too I'm sure, but I have one of those and like it, especially the swept handle.
For a general rod I'd suggest a 6'6" or 7' Medium Heavy. The big differences from a cheap one to a high dollar one are the guides, reel seat, and mainly how much it weighs. I would take a heavier rod with a comfortable reel seat/handle over a lighter one that feels bad. The BPS rods have the "Power Hump" handle, some like it some don't. For that reason you need to feel them in your hand to see if you like them. I also like handles that expose the blank under the reel seat.
If you are out and about in your area check out:
www.alnbobs.com
(I was there last summer and they didn't have too much in stock, but good stuff)
www.dandrsports.com
(I was there today, lots of rods)
or Bass Pro down in Portage, IN.
Those are just a few in your area that I have been to, I'm sure there are plenty more. Or if you want come over to the Ultimate Fishing Show in Novi this week/weekend. There will be plenty of rods there and stop by our booth too. Good luck!