I'm wanting to try out the baitcasters finally but have no idea where to start as far as what's good and bad.

I'm looking to only use it for inshore saltwater fishing. I would like to stick to left hand retrieve and I know that limits my selection just thought I'd ask.

Check out the revo saltwater , there nice and cast great. Or the quantum smoke is another good one.

I have five of the older quantums and love them.

How about rods?

I have a couple all stars that are ok. I just purchased an Abu Garcia Veritas that seems really nice. I haven't used it much yet though.

I've been a Revo diehard for a long time now but never tried the salty model, I'm sure they're exceptional. Lefties aren't always easy to find either most of the time they have to be ordered. Whatever you decide on at least make sure of three things, a large spool, centrifugal brake and minimum 6.3 to 1 gear ratio. BassPro has a house reel called the "tourney special" that for a cheapy is hard to beat, casts awesome, good drag, some sort of composite frame and consistent cast control adjustment. Seems like when they're on sale they can be had for <$40 but are normally $50. It'd be a fine reel to see if you like pickin' backlashes in your spare time

I just picked up an H2O inshore in 7' medium action that's quickly becoming my new favorite. I was down to my last surviving old model Ambassadeur Coastal that were my all time favorites for an all around inshore rod.

Can't go wrong with Falcon rods...

Since All-Star was bought out they have gotten more affordable. They aren't quite the rod they used to be but they are still good gear for 95% of the population. I have a few of the new ones and old ones..

How bout the shimano Citica 201g6?

I really like the Abu Garcia Veritas rods. I have about 5-6 of them. There light and have a good feel. I would look into 13 fishing concept A or concept C. I bought the Concept C and absolutely love it. I will defiently be investing in more. Has 22lb of drag and is saltwater approved. Really like the cork handles makes for a good feel, and a very smooth reel. Only down side is it only holds about 100 yards of 12 pound mono but can use braid and get more on there. I bought the reel without knowing much about them and glad I did. Its becoming my favorite reel. The reels are pretty light also only weighting about 6 ounces. It makes for a good combo on the Veritas rod. If you in the market to spend $160-$230 for a reel, I would look into it.

Boy did I ever get all excited hoping the Revo Inshore was now available in a L/H model!!!! Hadda go cyber shopping but that saved me some green, still only R/H...

It's funny how little reels are left handed. I have a veritas rod for my spinning set up and can't complain much.

Citca is a great reel. Abu Garcia are great reels also, they won't last as long in a saltwater environment, However if not used on a daily basis, it will last several years.

Citicas are good, but if money allows go one step up to the curado if you go the shimano route.