I have a self inflatable sospenders. If it gets wet it will self inflate. The directions say extremely humid conditions can cause inflation so I gets to stay home in the rain.
Personally, I think the forum covers way too many specific places. I tend to not read stuff on locations where I don't and don't plan to go. I'd rather have a lot fewer locations and see more topic posts.
You can gain access to Beaver Creek at the bridge where Hwy 160 crosses it. You also can gain access to lots of places on the James River. Flat Creek at the mouth of Dry Creek is accessible also.
I have caught whites at all of those places but you never know which night they will be there.
That is the fishiest pond in the country. I don't ever fish for those nasty smelling toothy critters on purpose but sometimes they take your bait anyway. Lots of times they like it enough to keep it for themselves.
I like a modified banana and arke as well as the football. Some colors to add would be black/chart, black/white, blue/white, pbj, brown/orange, purple/black, purple/brown and on and on.
It sounds like you are headed in the right direction. Don't skrimp on your batteries for the trolling motor. Get some good 200 reserve amps and you will have trolling power for many hours.
I like to look at the mountain but I don't like to buy from them. I called ahead for one of their deals and after I drove close to 200 miles they didn't have what they promised so I'll just get my stuff form Johnny.