Just like stated. Cast out, once the bait hits the water. Start counting slowly like seconds. This gives you an idea of where to repeat or to either go deeper or shallower. Roughly 15 seconds, is 15 ft down. In ideal conditions. When you are drifting faster, almost trolling due to higher winds. You add counts to get deeper.
A weapon is typically a 12 to 16" long harness with either single or double hooks using an egg weight slid over the harness loop allowing distance to your cast. You tye a small bead into the loop to stop the weight from sliding down the harness. Some start with 1/2oz as a base weight. Change the weight when you go very shallow or when wanting to go deeper than say 20ft. But typically, a bouncer/harness in a rod holder covers the lower depths while you cast/cover the shallower depths.
Typically work very well once the water is around 53* or higher. All the way thru till fall.