Welding for the first time - need advice

You should be able to hear the gas when you pull the trigger, and you can put a match or lighter in front of the nozzle and the flame should go out.

Also, you need to be about an inch or less away from the weld so the gas can cover the weld area.

Turn your heat down a little more till you get it putting down some smooth bead with your gas.

Once you get it, those holes can be filled back in with quick short bursts so it doesn't get hot and do it again.