ok you veteran walleye trollers i need your help,

i was out today from 8am - 2pm before it got to rough - i was trolling for the very first time - that is! with more knowledge than in the past. i was in 40fow near seneca schoal, i boxed one 20" on a dispy diver #0 & worm harness copper/orange and lost one at the boat on a dispy diver #0 on a deep diving rapala. the one i landed, i didn't know i had it on and was going to change over my lure, the one i lost i knew i had on cause i heard my drag.

my issue and your help - How can you tell you have a fish on? should i loosen-up my drag so I can hear it scream or is it a better way?

the rods i was using was 8' 6" med. light 10-17 lb. braided (i couldn't tell i had a fish on); my other rod was a 6'6" med. action 6-12 lb. flour. carbon

i learned alot today but need some pointers - i've heard you nguys talk about loosing them at the boat - THAT SUCKS!! is there also a way to cut down on that as well?

Please & Thank-You