I used 10# weights when I fished the western basin. but when I moved my fishing to the central basin I switched to a 13# pancake weight. I only fish them 50' to 60' down the blowback is minimal.

as for releases I love the chamberlain release. its built on the blacks release but has 2 adjustments. it has rod tension adjustment and lure tension adjustment. the lure tension can be set light so small fish will trip the release, a must have for walleye fishing.