I recently purchased a 6'6" baitcasting rod with the same Abu Garcia SilverMax I have on my 5'6".  With my shorter rod, I can throw that thing a mile away with no problems.  With my new rod, it seems I can't get 5 casts done without at least one backlash.  I don't get a full blown birds nest either.  It's just one small V in my line which ends up being the line I'm casting getting caught in itself.  I know this may come off as a noob question but the shorter rod was my first baitcasting setup and I got over the birds nest phase after the first day.

 

Any advice?  I know right off the bat that the rod is a lot more flexible than my shorter one.  It's obviously longer too.  I'm not using any new type of lure and I have the settings set the same for both.  The brake is at half and the bait drops at a controlled pace with the button is pressed.  

 

Old rod: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ICLVSM/ref=oh_details_o05_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

New rod: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZAFRA/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Being new to bait casting and switching from the 5'6" rods to the 6'6"/7' rods I find I whip them too hard when casting causing the spool to over spin causing my back lash. When I whip less I do better then I can fine tune the reel as I go.

I suspect it's just a learning curve and your problems should diminish with more practice.

Your new rod loads differently and propels the bait differently . The amount of force and release point need to be re-learned. It will come with practice as suggested above.

Most likely what bigbill said. You are loading the newer rod more and causing the spool to over rev and backlash. Adjust the brakes accordingly and try an easier, smoother cast. Here's an analogy -It's like golf, pro crush the driver and it looks effortlessly but you see guys at the range "swing out of there shoes" and it goes 200 nice and easy and it will go far

Thanks for the advice guys.  I'll keep at it and hopefully get the hang of it.  Going out tonight for some practice.

Your new rod loads differently and propels the bait differently . The amount of force and release point need to be re-learned. It will come with practice as suggested above.

As suggested above practice practice etc. I would also suggest that you NOT set this system up the same as your 5'6" system. Different line, and lure ratings i'm sure..

 

Good Luck & Tight Lines 

Your new rod loads differently and propels the bait differently . The amount of force and release point need to be re-learned. It will come with practice as suggested above.

 

DVT is exactly spot on, listen to this and make adjustments in your casting and you will be fine.

Yep, practice and brakes, all it takes....