Thanks everyone. Great advice. I will definitely use the towel for line coils (had visions of line everywhere).

I initially was thinking that a shorter rod would be easier from the canoe. I guess it will take a little practice with both the long and short to see which feels better to me.

I definitely appreciate the help and can't wait to get out in the new canoe. I have family obligations so it's going to be two weeks before I can test it out. Thanks again for the great advice and for the great new forum.