I'm on a break at moment, last time I was out was more than 14months ago, not a single line wet since then, I did end up selling all my Gear, but recently started to gather backup.
Bait, I think, is a personal choice AND can be an expensive 1....inuse Sticky Manilla all year through and did do before I stopped, now I've gone back to the same, but will only be doing PVA Bags close in range.
Same with rigs, there is alot of mechanical in them, only 2 rigs for myself....Ronnie Claw rig, pva bag rig....job done.
But don't think I could do the lengths of your 2's being so many years...