So I just did a YouTube video about this. I would highly recomennd the lithium for you. Especially since your boat sits all winter. I've never owned optima batteries but I know people that have used them and they don't get the best reviews. One of the benefits of lithium is they can sit for a long time and be just fine. If you use agm or wet cell batteries they can't sit for long periods of time. There's a shelf life. Get 2 12v Lits for trolling and stick with wet cell for cranking. I use the x2. Very highly recommended! I think it's a good battery. YES I pay full retail for them! 

That's one I'm not sure how to answer with a solid response that I know is factual. I've used scents. 95% of the time I don't use them. I'll use them for smallmouth and in any current situation. I've yet to see it undeniably matter. I can't find a solid point of reference. I do know that bass use smell however I can't seem to make it matter with my fishing lures. Ive even tried it with spawning bass. I'm just not seeing hard data that says " this matters". I'm not saying I'm right though!

If I'm using my thumb to free spool then my drag is locked. Most of the fish we lose is because we never get good hook penetration initially. Especially with reaction baits (crankbaits, jerk baits, chatterbaits) on a long cast I want to get that hook penetration first. Once I get that it's time to manage the tension between me and the fish.

we all do that at times. I'm guilty of it too. What I try to be conscious about is my breathing. IT SOUNDS CRAZY! Focus on your breathing when you have a big one on. You'll slow down.