Daniel-San wrote:

5) I really wanted to drown that sumbitch -- I had two decent strikes in
that pool before he destroyed it.

:-)

6)I've been using an Albright to connect the leader to tippet. Seems good to
me, small knot, fairly strong, easy to tie. Good? Bad? I know knot choice is
a personal thing, but is there any reason "not" to use it?

I've never heard of an Albright knot used for that purpose, except with
wire or heavy mono bite tippet. Use a surgeon's knot.

More questions will certainly come as I realize just how stupid I am.

Awaiting the berating,

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.