re: bait
bring your own earth worms. get a diving mask and flip over rocks to catch the crayfish they are everywhere and easy to catch.
u need to get your boat inspected at one of the LG inspection stations in order to launch. I hit the one at the Adirondack Welcome Center. it is a super easy on/off of 87N. Norwal marina also has an inspection station
https://lgpc.ny.gov/inspection-station-locations