With the lake up a foot or so bank fishing will be hard because of all the bushes denying you access. Crappie and bass should be in the coves on spawning banks soon. There are some accessible places around Rouark and Mutton Creek.
I have one and use it with a jacked up Curado throwing small grubs and medium size jerk baits. I'm planning on using it with 1/8 oz bass jigs this summer. It has filled a nice nitch in my lineup.
It doesn't make any difference what battery you buy if you don't take proper care of them they won't last. If you keep them clean, keep the plates covered with distilled water, keep them charged within 24 hours after each use and don't over charge them they will last for 4-6 years of good old hard use fishing (except for Wally World).
Go to Fin and Feather in Springfield at the corner of Campbell and Battlefield. John has a bunch of silicone skirts that you can get and make them look like new.
It is the only tackle shop in the strip mall in Kimberling City. Also staying in Hollister you won't be far from the Bass Pro Shop at the landing in Branson.
Table Rock is way too big for a bait shop recommendation (bout 1000 miles of shorline) without knowing what arm and part of that arm you will be fishing. So just stop at Bass Pro in Springfield and buy yourself one of everything that they have and you will be all set to go.
Jigs is a very broad topic. What kind of jigs are you talking about; trout, bass, crappie, white bass, striper, bucktail, living rubber, silicone, light weight, medium weight, heavy weight?
I have poured a lot of lead and only once had an accident. That time I watched some molten lead solidify on my thigh. It wasn't a pretty site and did smell quite a bit. When I wear shorts I am always reminded of those hard to pour spinnerbaits.