I got my first baitcaster combo around xmas. I have been practicing with it but kept getting backlashes. Finally realized that my tension knob was missing a washer inside so tightening up the tension did nothing this entire time. got the missing washer and wow--what a difference. I can actually adjust my reel to the bait I'm using. I feel like an idiot for not realizing sooner there was a problem.

Dont feel like an idiot, who'd expect a new reel to be missing a part out of the box.  Have fun, baitcasting is the way to go.

I think everyones first bait caster experience is one for the memory banks.

Good job not giving up on it and finding the problem good luck and have fun with it.