I used it for the first time today. Had about 4 nests coming out from reel with having to cut several times. What could I be doing wrong? Since it was braid I didn't worry about putting it on a certain way, was that a mistake?

Pay attention to keep your line tight when closing the bail, and close it manually. I think you problem is loose line and reeling when it is not winding on the spool. 40# is heavier than I use on any spinning tackle for freshwater.

Yeah #40 is definitely a bit heavy for spinning gear in my opinion. 10 or 15 would be better.

Pay attention to keep your line tight when closing the bail, and close it manually. I think you problem is loose line and reeling when it is not winding on the spool. 40# is heavier than I use on any spinning tackle for freshwater.

I totally agree.

 

Closing the bail manually is easier and smoother.  I always raise my rod before reeling to prevent any looping.  40# braid is way too heavy even for many saltwater inshore species.  Typically I use 10# braid in ponds and 15# braid in canals with heavier vegetation.  Braid is about diameter and not strength as most major brands may break 30-50% over the labeled number, that said your drag is the savior.  My tarpon set ups are 20# braid with a 30# leader, amply strong enough for 50 pound fish.

I totally agree.

 

Closing the bail manually is easier and smoother.  I always raise my rod before reeling to prevent any looping.  40# braid is way too heavy even for many saltwater inshore species.  Typically I use 10# braid in ponds and 15# braid in canals with heavier vegetation.  Braid is about diameter and not strength as most major brands may break 30-50% over the labeled number, that said your drag is the savior.  My tarpon set ups are 20# braid with a 30# leader, amply strong enough for 50 pound fish.

The part about raising the rod is an important tip. And I have caught some large stingrays on 12lb braid in Cuba, no need for 40lb.

Went again with it on my spinning reel, but no issues this time. Made sure I was conscious of line and manually closing.

Next purchase I will probably go down to 20, although the 40 does seem to handle well

You either had too much line on the reel, or you weren't closing the bail manually. Both or either will cause the problem you described.

I went from 30# smackdown to 40# smackdown on one of my baitcasters and the 40# is noticeably stiffer. So you may want to try the 30. Its quite supple and may work on a spinning reel.

As said a couple times 40 is pretty heavy on a spinning reel. You could use 40 on a baitcasiter if you looking for distance. 15, 20 lb should do the trick. Stay with the smackdown it is an 8 strand braid.