ise live shiners, perch, bluegill and frsh shrimp. float it under a slip-flaot about 3-4' next to wing dams, overflows, and any other place you know thay hang out. night time seems to be better for bigger alligators and long-nose, but short-nose ive noticed are more active during the day...i think they have a bed time.
use 15-25 lb mono on a spinner or baitcaster (your choice) for a fight. or use 50- 80 lb braid on a baitcasting set-up, to haul 'em in. use 2/0-4/0 octpus and/or kahl hooks, attached to about 18" of 40-120 lb seven strand wire. (or you could try the new tyger line, wich is single strand wire that is tyable)
~chris~