Lake Hammond is further than a hour but it’s noted for large crappie. I know it’s current record is a 4.2 lb crappie. So if your every in the mood for a drive up north give it a shot.
Not sure why you would hurt your fingers when using braided line. Unless your referring to when your snagged. If that’s the case keep a wood dowel in your boat or pack if bank fishing. When snagged wrap your line around your dowel and pull your snag free if possible.
LiFePo4 are the safest lithium batteries. I would either get a charger from them or use one that they recommend. I use my 4 bank MinnKota precision charger.
Get a UV face gator and impregnate it with a smell that you like. After shave, lemon or any fragrance that you like. Keep it in a zip lock bag until you use it. Also put some of the fragrance in the bag to recharge the gator. Keep the sun off your face and smell of the diesel at bay.
I’ve found that Very few fishermen can tell the difference between a $250 reel or a $400 reel. Same goes for a rod. If your talking low end rod and reels then yes go for the $250 reel and you can tell the difference.