I have found in my experiences that using Sufix line helps with back lashes. I am not sure what it is about it but when you get a birds nest, you can just pull it all out and keep on going. For some reason it does not knot as bad as some other lines. Back lashes happen to everyone but not having to pick out all the knots makes it much easier to put behind you. Hope it helps.
One of the best tips posted was use a quality reel. If your baitcaster came with a rod at wal-mart. Don't keep practicing.. J/K but seriously you will learn faster on a quality reel. I can cast more accurately with a baitcaster than I ever could with a spinning reel. Keep at it. there are some good reels for good prices the shimano scorpion around 150.00 is a great reel to learn with IMO
dang you guy are good wish i had you guy three year ago when i was learn to throw one of those dang things know i have about six or seven that i use on a daily bases and it up my fishing alot i have only one thing to add to all this great advice and that when your casting keep the point of your rod tip at the same direction as the bait is going that was the key for me after i learn the thumb thing but it will help when your learning
Here is what I did when I learned to use a baitcast reel.
Pull off enough line for a good cast, then take electrical tape and wrap it around the spool. This way when you backlash, it will only go down as deep as the cast and not down deep into the reel. When you feel the need, take off your training wheels, I mean tape. I hope this helps..
