I just found this forum - great resource. I just bought my first baitcaster after using spinning rods all of my life. I took it out tonight to try and practice and on the first case got a backlash that looks like it's about half of my line. After reading this and watching some online instructional videos, I think I had too much line on, didn't keep my thumb on the spool AND had it set on free. Sounds like the perfect storm.
Any tips on getting my line back in shape - it's a total and complete mess.