Dale is a special lake to fish at night or otherwise. I have only fished it once at night over 3 nights while camping some years back. I have much of the same problem on KY with having as many or more hookups and bites as landed fish when it comes to the brown ones. They just jump and shake so vigorously it is difficult to keep them buttoned. Got to keep the hooks sharp and line as tight as they will let you but honestly I don't mind too much any more when they get loose. It is nice to touch them and maybe get a picture but just to be graced by their presence for a few moments as she nearly yanks the rod from my hands dancing in the moonlight is pretty special to me.

As far as staying awake I just don't try very hard any more. In the day I remember times of being on the water for 20+ hours and practically falling over from exhaustion we would push it so but I rarely do a whole night these days. Catch the late surface bite and pull out at 2 or 3 is good enough by me. Man it is heck sprouting these gray ones!

I keep a small toolbox in my boat with all of the usuals for dealing with electrical issues and some spare parts for the motor and boat in general. Needlenose, regular pliers, channel locks, hammer, razor knife, wire strippers, screw drivers, tape, and I even carry a spark plug wrench for the big motor. I used to carry jumpers in my boat in case the starting battery went dead but any more I'll switch in a trolling motor battery to get back if the starting battery goes dead. If you were to seriously think about carrying jumpers you might consider making a special shorter set than the ones you buy. If your boat is anything like mine jumping off your trolling motor batteries you would only need a 18" to 2' length.

Sounds like your starting battery had trouble staying awake too!

kc