I started with the
VS bailess last season and you need to give it a little time.
Try using heavier poppers or surface swimmers for practice. Practice with the wind at your back, daylight hours and a short leader. Catch the line just before the plug hits the water. If using braid, the Aquaskinz Black Thunder gloves work great for me. When casting, follow through the cast with the rod tip so that the rod is pointed level or down at the water. This allows you to raise your rod pulling the slack out of the line before retrieving. Makes for better spooling and smoother placement on the line roller if you fail to catch the line prior to lure impact. Be patient, you will adjust. I still find it a challenge some nights with stiff wind and get frustrated. No gear is perfect but the VS is close. At night don't try casting so far, catch the lure in flight. Once you adjust, you will not like going back to the bail.