what model/ make of reel do u have?
i also had the same problems when i got mine for a birthday gift, what u want to do is use a heavy bell sinker and tie it to your line u also want to u 10lb test and up, once u get the bell sinker tied to your line u want to look to the left or right depending what reel u have and u will see a knob that well be able to be turned clock wise and counter clock wise (clock wise for more pressure) (counter clock wise for less pressure) and essentially this knob controls how fast the spool will spin once u cast out (less tension more birds nest unless your a bass professional angler
..... know once u have set that u want to find a another knob that well be small then the first and u want to adjust that so your lure will fall once u open the bale at a slow pace.
there hope that helps .
JD