im using 20lb mono on my abu black max.
heres what i did i get maybe a small bird nest every 30+ casts (IF i cast hard.
take break all off.
and make ur tension just so that your line drops slow not fast but slow on a 45* angle about.
then once you got your tension knob set then set ur break. i set mine at just over 50%.
and one very important thing make sure u feather your cast the whole time you release. not just at the time it hits the water.
i found that the mono like to slip and become loose if u dont keep the tension on it.
and try that it took me about 20min to get used to it.
the tensioner knob isnt used for that purpose. only use it to center the spool for reels with or without a levelwind.
if you constantly use that to apply tension to the spool, eventually your wear down the copper shims or spool shaft ends.
some reels dont even have a fixed shaft spool, but floating spools that ride on bearings. so tightening it down will only bust up those bearings.
adjust the knob until you can barely feel a side to side knock on the spool, then use (if available) mag/brakes or your thumb on spool flange to cast.
use max brakes if your not sure, then work your way down until you comfortable in a windy condition.
mono does not slip, braid will. the only time mono plays bad is if the brand is bad. the line gets hard and wiry.
but if its smooth and limp, it gives no issues.
if anyone tells you otherwise, theyve never used conventional reels for surf fishing or distance casting. eg - pendulum casting.
i used to distance cast with others around my area using abu 5500 6500 6600w, with custom mag units.
i can constantly hit 650-800' casts all day as long as my back doesnt break or get tired walking to retrieve the sinker.
so im not just spouting nonsense. fyi
