Nice report PK.
Funny stuff about the squirrel topic.
Some observations on the line topic.  Just got back from WCPP.  I'm an old mono guy but spooled on some braided stuff to give it a try.  Personally, I didn't like the feel of it. But talk about feel!  I could detect a rock, bite, etc. much, much better than mono.  The jury is still out as to which way I'll go in the future.
Just an aside.....I tried the hold your rod with the paddle troll/jigging technique.  I use a double blade paddle and was using a level wind reel.  I caught lake trout, northern and walleye doing this although we didn't troll too much.  All were caught on a larger hair jig.  Kinda fun as the northern almost pulled to rod out of my grip!
Safe travels.......Mike