well that sure is the quintessential list of questions
I'll take #6 - this knot works for just about everything. If you're splicing line not so good, but thats a lesson for knots 102. check this link out:
http://www.animatedknots.com/improvedclinch/index.php
hey I'm in a good mood so I'll throw in my $.02 on #7. and that is: keep you're head above water at all costs. if you get separated from your yak and have to float around for a while, have a plan to make it easy for people to find you.
Tight lines to you sir.