Predatory release of echinoderms is frequently associated with emergence of prickly problems around the globe. From original observations of exploding sea urchin populations and kelp overgrazing in the wake of sea otter extirpations, to observations of lobsters and finfishes re-exerting predatory control on urchins following cessation of overfishing, the potential for predatory control of prickly problems is frequently touted. Here I provide an overview of my long-term experimental research detailing where and when top-down predatory control of echinoderms can occur, and thus where it can be effective towards managing the risk and extent of prickly problems. I provide examples from across Australia including results of standardised urchin tethering experiments run across 93 sites spanning 29 degrees of latitude inside and outside marine protected areas. This research demonstrates the context dependent nature of predatory control and crucially informs expectations for managing prickly problems via the re-establishment of long-lost predator functioning across biogeographical scales and ecosystem states.