experience doesn;t really have much to do with it. u just need to get one, and practice. but don;t buy a cheap reel to learn with. worst thing u can do, spend the money on a good quality reel. it makes learning so much easier because the reel performs that much better. spool it with heavier line, as its easier to take out the birds nests, use heavier lures, ask others who know how to use them, to show u and help u. they must be set and tuned properly to work properly. by that i mean the tension knob and braking system. u need to thumb the spool, its the only way to control it. type "using a baitcaster" or similar sayings in a search engine on the web, and u can get lots of info and tips on using the reel.