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.