Looks like a great trip. I hit the creek mouths in the winter from the bank and do well. This past winter was my first rodeo with the Triple Cross and it was fun for catching fish in the current. I got schooled a time or two from some Bully Brown and Green Bass but the fun factor on the smaller prey is worth a few break offs and foul language fits. As far as protection for the JDM equipment, some sort of rod case would be my choice, but the one I have requires you to keep the rod stored in two pieces, not conducive to taking it in and out with ease. I do not put my rods in and out of my tubes in the rod locker in the bass boat due to fear of damaging the eyes. I keep them in the rod locker broken down lying flat on the carpet, and only have one on deck that i am using and one on the back partner rod ramp ( I fish alone). A canoe/kayak on the river seems even more precarious, and hopefully someone has a good idea on storage and protection of their gear.