I learned by practicing in the backyard with a Garcia 5000. Trilene XL is your friend. 15 to 17 lb test is easy to cast and easier to pick out the birds nest. Hold the rod horizontal, handles pointing up or down, thumb on the spool, put it in free spool and remove your thumb. Set the brake so the spool stops turning when the weight touches the ground. Practice short casts and work for accuracy. Don't cast into the wind. Learn to cast with both hands, you will be glad you did latter.
My fishing mentor would not let me use a baitcaster in his boat until I could hit a skoal can floating in the water with the lure. Just learn to pick out the back lash. Accidents happen and we all get a bird's nest occasionally.
