crazyfishinnut is pointing you in the right direction. Use a heavy weight to start out (at least 1/2 oz). Take the hooks off a rattle trap or 1/2 oz spinner bait. Adjust the mechanical brake on the side of the reel so that when you push the release button the lure drops very slowly. Then foryour main adjustment you have to take the side plate off and adjust the little plastic brakes inside the reel until you have the right amount of friction to prevent backlashes. The way it works with the two brake system is one of the brakes keeps you from backlashing at the beginning of the cast and the other one keeps the spool from turning at the end of the cast. You have to have both of them adjusted to get good backlash free cast. Your owners manual will tell you how to adjust the plastic brakes inside the reel. It will take some trial and error. Your best bet is to find someone that uses a baitcaster alot and let them help you instead of trying to figure it out from scratch. I'm down on Lake Cumberland far from you or I would help you. Remember make smooth cast. Don't try for distance yet. Dont break your wrist when you cast. Some of my friends found it easier to learn to side arm cast at first (because it naturally is smoother and you are not as likely to break your wrist during the cast causing the backlash). As you get more comfortable start casting more overhanded. It's a lot easier to show you than tell you on this page. But anyway you have a nice rod and reel, I have several and I'm sure you can find someone around Louisville to work with you until you get the hang of it. Remember the internal and external brakes must both be adjusted for that reel. Good luck.