Fishing in Florida backwater?

I'm going fishing in Naples, FL in a couple weeks. We're taking out a pontoon boat into estero bay and I'd like to catch a sizeable fish. I'm planning on buying a rod and reel for myself. What kind of set up should I use? i.e. rod size, type of reel, lb test of line, hooks/lures, ect. Also what kind of bait is most popular for the larger fish (20 lbs and up)?