T-Billy

Yep. Release to the grease.

Presto pots work fine for large batches. I prefer ceramic coated cast iron pots on a hotplate. You can buy them used on ebay for a reasonable price in any size you want. They work great. Nice even heating and easy cleanup.

I'll second that. Cosmetic stuff has never killed any of my reels. Bail springs, thumbar parts, and pinion gears are another story. I don't mind that either. It takes a lot of days on the water to wear out a reel, and when ones done, I get to buy another. All good.

Glad you found a setup you like OP. I think you'll find that to be a versatile rig. My 7' 6" MH Veritas Winch rods have been seeing LOTS of use this year. 8.3-1 reels spooled with 40# 832. Hands down the best chatterbait setup I've tried. Most fish have it choked, and with the braid, I get a good hookset at any distance. I've also found I really like it for pitching jigs and T rigs. Rod loads up clear into the butt section and keeps 'em pinned, and the mod action also helps prevent tearing their mouths on the hookset.

Two lost PB's in a month. That's rough. I feel for ya brother. I've completely gone away from EWG's. I'm using either straight shanks, or 30 degree wide gaps with a screw lock these days. Both give me better hookups and fewer lost fish than EWG's. OMMV. Try 'em all and see what works best for you.

I've had some great days fishing outside grass edges with a ned. Exposed hook, 6# XT. It comes through better than you might expect and most fish head for deep water when you stick 'em instead of burying up in the grass.

I prefer my bottom dragging rods balanced. I use those slip on rubber furniture feet. Only a couple bucks for a four pack. I pour the needed amount of lead into them a little at a time and secure them to the rod butt with electrical tape. Cheap, easy, works great, and 100% reversable.