JB - I'm going to be @ LP on Sunday with my buddy Tu. I leave out of the marina ~0620 - we will be trolling in the east end. Can give you a few pointers, look for a pontoon with a blue top.
RS - I like the longer rods for casting & trolling and use short rods (5.5' and shorter) for dock fishing. I fish from a boat so normally have 4 to 6 rods rigged (also I'm a lazy fisherperson). The less expensive JDM rods are awesome too.