You didn't say if you are experienced with a bait casting reel. it takes a little practice the first few times. If you load the rod up like you do with a spinning reel/ rod then often the casts will backlash. I initially set mine up so the tension allows the lure to slowly fall when I push the bar. Then try some short easy casts and gradually lengthen them. If the casts don't go far enough then you can back off the brake a tad. Keep trying because equipped with 10-17 pound line you will get great results throwing things like spinner baits etc. It works best with medium line and a relatively heavy lure.