A gel cast is happens when you have applied gel on wet hair and allowed it to dry fully. The gel cast is actually a good thing because it locks in the moisture from the water when your hair was wet.
While it starts out like a crunchy feel, it can be softened with either your hands or another product meant to soften it.
When done properly your gel with still maintain the memory of your style. You need to make sure when softening it that you are only smoothing your fingers and hands over the hair and not raking them through.