20 - 30 shock leader is a good idea due to the toothy nature of the prey. You can use topwater plugs or shrimp-tipped jigs, you will get the bigger fish on topwater lures though. Yes, there are alligators. Some big ones too. This is a big body of water, so caution must be taken while out there.
Summer storms can pop up in a moment.
A contrary wind can make getting back twice as much work as it was to get there. But, the fishing is usually worth it. See ya on the Banana River.