Sounds like you are on the right track. We fish Jordan, High Rock, and little on Badin for stripers. Jordan and Badin had bad fish kills several years ago, but are starting to rebound. High Rock doesn't have as many, but seem to be better quality. My brother has the same boat you got and when he got it I didn't think I'd like it, but after fishing in it I wouldn't mind having one myself. His is a 16', but I'd want a 19 or 20'. Right now I have a G3 1860 DLX center console and love it. I too would love to see some pics of your completed boat. I built a tank out of a 50 gallon drum too. I had a bought a Grayline and just designed it to match that. My home made tank has more insulation and more water so on big trips where I need a lot of bait (ie. Roanoke River in the spring) I use it, but usually I use one of my Graylines as they are smaller.
Mike
Take a kid outdoors!