Anything that touches fuel can be an issue. Those engines were never meant to run alcohol fuel. You are lucky you got away with it as long as you did. You should see the pile of dead engines at my local Stihl shop. Easily 10 feet across and 6' high. Alcohol is bad juju for engines. Alcohol...
My experience with them is they stay tight near cover . It seemed hundreds would be just off the bottom in an area the size of a washtub. Find that washtub and you could fill your boat, but drift off 8 feet or so and nothing.
That Christmas tree thing sounds excellent.
The river below the Jackson Lake dam has great fishing. There is a 12 mile (?), long dirt road on the Jasper county side that offers river access in several places.
Parking at the horse camp or hunt camp offers walking access to the river.
Wading and bank fishing is abundant.
If the DNR stocks it, good luck keeping the public out.
Access to navigable waters is a basic human right that predates all modern nations.
Trespassers? I only know 3 by name, two are game wardens and one is a Ga county Sheriff (not deputy, the AHJ). Doubt any of them will enthusiastically...
"Anyone know where I could find parts for an older Carolina Skiff? Looking for a windshield"
https://www.updplastics.com/windshield-manufacturers/carolina-skiff-boat-windshields/
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=center+console+windshield&_pgn=5