Just a little update:

Today, with my 3/8oz practice plug, I tried turning all the brakes off on the reel. First cast was probably the farthest I've ever cast. Second cast wasn't so great and I had an epic backlash. So I put one pair of brakes on and I think that's a good setting for me at the moment. I'm still getting used to casting by taking the rod behind my back (with my left hand) because I cast my spinning reels in a kind of sidearm motion with my right hand (probably the wrong way but just how I've always done it). I am focusing more on using my wrist when I cast the baitcaster and I'm trying to get down when I release my thumb off the spool.

I have one other question, how tight should the line be on your spool? I'm assuming it should be on there pretty good and I've become paranoid about that when I retrieve.

Thanks again.