How do I not get a rats nest in my reel

[TnRiver46]

Set some rat traps around the perimeter of the bait caster 

[NJBasstard]

I just got the same reel a week ago and got a chance to use it over the weekend. First thing I did was flush & oil the bearings and spooled it with 30lb braid. I went out with two brakes set, the external brake max out at 6 and tied on a 1/4 jig w/ trailer to start. I just started by making short side arm cast to get the feel for it.. did some over head cast and gradually backed the external dial down little by little. I had the dial down to 2.5-3 after an hour or two and felt I couldn't get much lower without overrun.

 

My first impressions of this reel is that it's very unforgiving at first compared to my other reels, which are mostly Curado 50 & 200E's and Citica G series. Maybe it's because I'm not use to the SVS braking or the spool on the 70 is just harder to tame than the previous generations.

 

My advice would be to spool up with 10lb line minimum if you're having trouble and tie on something a 1/4 ounce or more at first. Start with both brakes maxed out if you have to, making side arm & overhead cast, and back off the brakes little by little when you feel comfortable. I'm not sure what your experience level is with baitcasters but if you don't have a trained thumb I feel your going to have trouble at first with the 70. Don't go trying to bomb cast to the middle of the lake right away and consider pulling 15 yards or so out and taping the spool if you have too. 

[Steve S]

This is how I learned to remove a birds nest in a baitcaster. Phenomenal video

 

[Guitarfish]

That was pre-old eyes.  I used to be able to work them out usually.  Now I switch to a back up reel.