Safety wise, have a PDF. I'd say the biggest thing is the current esp if you never fish any type of tidal water. Watch for old docks , pilings ,sunken timber etc. Just like any other body of water you have boaters. Oh , watch for the alligators.
You can get a good mesh dive bag at a dive shop or a good mesh laundry bag of good size and build a 3/4 PVC frame inside it with irrigation fittings that you can get at Home Depot , Lowes.
Tourneys are about 5:45(safe light)-3:00
I think July -sept they are 6 hours only.
Btw. Just kidding about the alligators. Ha.