The Lindy gloves are hook proof, but are a little on the stiff side. I bought the Musky Armor gloves and they are the cats meow. Not as hook proof as the Lindy gloves, but are very nice. Either choice is excellent. 
My goto lure for opener has always been the Blue Fox Musky Buck. They are great bucktails, and if the water is fairly warm, I just dont think that they can be beat. Small, fishable, and deadly. I will also throw just about everything in the box for hair. Eagletails, Harassers, Mepps Maribou, etc, but the Musky Buck is THE go to. As for jerkbaits and topwaters, i will throw the same arsenal that i use the entire season. Probably throw more Suicks and Bobbies, letting the rise slowly between jerks. Docs and Jackpots are my favorite topwaters and I have hooked up with fish on them as well on opener. I believe that the biggest key is to throw what you feel comfortable using and have confidence in! 
I agree with plungepool in regards to the Diawa Luna. I just bought a new 8′ St Croix rod and think I am going to put a Luna on it. I have talked to quite a few guys that are switching from Calcutta’s to the Luna’s. I still love my Abu’s,and if it isn’t a Luna, then probably a 6600 SSC3! The fact of the matter is, every reel has their good’s and bad’s. How you take care of them, how you use them, it all affects them. Not saying you don’t take care of your equipment by no means, just speaking in a general matter.
I have longer rods (7’6″ Gander Guide Series and 8′ St Croix Premiere) that I use for my bucktails, topwater and crankbaits. I have tried to use these longer rods for jerkbaits as well, but feel like I have no control over the bait. This year I am going back to a 6’9″ rod for jerkbaits. Just what I had always used. I will never go longer again for my jerkbait rod! 
Very good post and information Jim. Cover all the bases!!!
I have to agree and go with the Blue Fox Vibrax. Silver blade and black hair. Once in a while I will throw a Mr Twister tail on the rear end. Love these baits as you can fish them fast and not get tired. I use them all season long, especially on LOTW. Use it as a search bait to fish fast and look for active fish. A must for everyone’s tackle box!
If you are burning the big bucktails with a C4, you must have a forearm the size of Popeye’s!!! 
They are great for jerkbaits, but nothing with a gear ratio that high will stand up to that torture. If you go with the Calcutta it will probably last you longer, but you have a big difference in the gear ratio compared to a C4. Bust a 7000 that has a gear ratio in the 4’s, and crank your heart out. You will wear out way before the reel does!!!
