The few guys I helped had to go to a heavier weight (1/4-3/8 oz) so they could feel the weight more. It let them know and understand the feeling of when to release the spool with their thumb. I would recommend side arm casting (short casts) until you get that "feeling" of knowing when to release the spool. Overhand casts are nice but might be to much for a beginner. A good rod, heavy weight and side arm casts are good places to start.