there is a hole where the clamp part of the weight is. Run the circle part of your hook through that hole then squeeze the clamp and clamp on the upper part of the hook. You set it up that way so when you cast the weight doesn't just come flying off.
They do bite very light sometimes, that is when it's best to use the bobber setup. Use a bobber just heavy enough to hold your bait up and you will be able to see even the lightest strikes. Be ready, when Walleye hit sometimes they don't even take the bobber under the water and you will just see it moving across the water.
If your not losing them to slack lines then you're probably not getting a good hook set. Try using a slightly larger good quality hook and if you plan on eating them get one with a good barb on it tom make sure they have a harder time getting off. It sounds like you're barely catching them on the lip with the hook and they're getting it out when the turn.
Under $200 leaves you a very wide variety of options. What kind of reel are you planning on using and what species and size of fish are you targeting?
find some weeds or trees in the water or some form of cover and fish with nightcrawlers either on the bottom or suspend them on a bobber a couple inches from the bottom. Fish right on the outside edge of the cover. Minnows and leaches work well too. Good luck.
It works really well when slip bobber fishing. Get your slip bobber rig set up and the run your hook through the hole in the weight and clamp to hook. Cast you your line and then however far your bobber is under the water raise it that much plus a couple inches and your bait will hang right off the bottom.
Welcome, post any questions you have and there are several people here that will be happy to help you get started.
Walleye and Walleye for me as well. I am in Nebraska and I fish for Walleye, Crappie and Catfish and I eat them all and that is my preferred order of my favorite.
I would not buy a baitcaster for my first fishing pole. My first one I ever owned pissed me off so bad I gave it away. It was years before I gave them a shot again an now it is almost all I use. If I could do it all over again I would start with a simple open faced spinning reel and get the basics down and them move up. Also I don't see the point in buying a sub par baitcaster just to have a baitcaster instead of a good quality rod/reel combo in spinning for under $40. When you are ready to step into the baitcasting game then spend a little extra money and get something worth owning. The better quality baitcaster reels are a little pricey but will save you so many headaches when you're not constantly adjusting things.
I make sure to be in Wal-Mart at the end of fishing season every year. It is not my preferred place to buy tackle but if your looking for a great deal they clearance out a lot of their stuff when hunting season begins and it's a great way to restock the tackle box or add a new rod or reel to your arsenal for a great price. Another thing to look for is places like Menards and Harbor Freight sell some outdoor gear and small selection of fishing supplies that can be found at great prices as well.
The one thing that I would add is I have very good luck using native baits to the water you're fishing in. I like to catch some sunfish/bluegill on a small fishing pole (which just adds to the fun by the way) during the day and when permitted throw my cast net for some shad or other baitfish that are in the water and after my poles are set up for the nighttime run I get out the flashlight and try to find a couple grass/leapord frogs by the water edge. I've had great success with using what the fish is naturally eating.
so what I meant to say if the first place. Read Plumbertoms post up top and reread it. Great advice.
plumbertom, I meant that he should read and reread your post because it was great advice. Sorry, I didn't realize it sounded like I was calling you out on something.