I run 2 swivels in my rig. Nanofil to swivel to shot line to swivel to leader.
I haven't lost a float in a loooong time with this setup.. Unless there is a nick in my mainline, the leader/shot line always pops first.
As long as the reel doesn't get wet, it won't freeze up. Although if it does, it will be a block of ice.. Happens to the guys on the rivers in the winter float fishing...
Swivel above the float, slip floats, Wallis cast or using braid are all ways to avoid line twist.
I run a swivel above my float with braid, no line twist issues ever....
Depends on the river.. a 10ft float rod is fine for any of the east ditches, you'd be outgunned on a few of the Huron/GBay tribs. Float rods have both reel seats and sliding rings. Doesn't make it any more or less of a float rod
You're not going to find a pike bonanza in any of the southern states... You'd have to go north (Just like up here) to get into some big ones. Bass however won't be an issue.
Sure it's legal... But you've probably be better off fishing with emeralds then 4-6in smelts for 13in perch. I guess you could always take those un-used smelt you'll have at the end of the day and fry them up at home! So it's a win/win in your case
Live smelts for perch? The smelt in Simcoe are monsters... I doubt the perch are feeding on them with any sort of regularity..
As far as perch are concerned, use exactly what you'd use through the ice.