Any suggestions... apparently I am challenged and like to create a birds nest. I have adjusted the tension and such, but I am still not getting it.
I hear there are some good options that will help with that.

I'm diehard Shimano but have to say for someone learning a Daiwa Tatula SV TW is pretty good at preventing backlashes. That or a Shimano DC reel, the SLX is a good starter one.

My wife would never use a baitcast reel but used one all of last year and it was this one and she loves it so i got some more from Facebook marketplace and eBay to save some money and it is all we use now I got 9 of them.

Lews Speed spool pro

Abu Garcia black or silver max. Cheap and a great casting reel for the $

set the cast resistance by letting a lure hang and adjust so that it barely drops when you shake the rod tip gently.

you have to keep a thumb over the spool, learn to barely rest the thumb on the spool and use it to slow down/stop at the end of the cast.

don't overthrow your bait, I release at about 12 oclock when casting, almost straight overhead then follow thru with rod tip aimed at what I cast to.

start by overtightening the resistance so your casts are shorter than they should be, this keeps the backlashes out, lighten it a little at a time till you can hurl one way out there.

lews reels are excellent and I have switched to mostly lews now but I learned on a garcia 5000 back in the 60s.

an old dd22 with hooks removed is a great practice plug.

best way ever to remove backlashes, we all get them.

Good advice above.
I found that my casting style was causing the backlashes. I was releasing too early causing the bait to stall out before falling straight down.
I found the roll cast to be my favorite.

Thank you guys...I appreciate the information.

I've seen many reels suggested in this type of thread. I've no experience with Shimano MGL reels. I do have an older Exsence DC that is pretty foolproof if you don't go below the highest setting on the drag option. No problems on the other settings. What's your price range? From personal experience if you want new, then any Daiwa with SV spool is an excellent candidate.

However, if you don't mind used, then I suggest any Daiwa T3 variant as the absolute best reel for avoiding backlashes.

Remember you can't cast a baitcaster like you do a spinning reel. Smoothness is paramount. I suggest a sidearm roll cast to start with. This will keep the rod tip loaded throughout the cast. Avoid jerking the rod. Definitely avoid snagging something on the backstroke part of the cast.

For a T3 set the spool to just remove side-to-side play. A little play won't hurt. Set bottom selection to Normal. Set brake around 5 or 6. I doubt you will backlash unless you snag the lure on the cast.

I would also say that a dual brake reel is another excellent option. I have my older Patriarch XT brakes set lower than any of my other reels (outside of a T3) and have no problems with backlashing.