Use of older spinning rod and reel.

Question
I have been retired for a year and plan to start fishing after 30+ years without fishing.  I stopped in my 30s and I'm 65 now and live on property with a small lake in back. I still have my old spinning rod and reel.  The rod is a Garcia Conolon,Four Star, 2110 D, 6 1/2' Light Action and the reel is a Shakespear Alpha 050, 2100 Series. Not sure of the current line weight on the reel. I cleaned them up and tried some practice casts with a practice plug and it seems I can no longer get the distance I recall from years ago when I fished this gear for smallmouth bass in and around the rapids and pools of the James River. Does a rod this old lose it's flexibility and as to the reel should I buy new line and what weight?  Or, should I go out and buy all new gear?
Thanks.

Answer
They line weight affects it a lot. you really need to go with the middle recommended line on the reel. It should be marked on the spool. That's not the only problem, it has been so long since you have cast, that your fingers have lost the feel. the more loose the grip on that casting finger the farther the line will go. also the angle and curve of your finger will affect the distance. Start by changing your line then practice practice practice!!!!