Probably tiger muskies being that it's Utah. Yes a leader is absolutely necessary. Not just for teeth but they have a really sharp gill plate as well.
I prefer 130# flurocarbon for a leader with a good snap like a stay-lok. But a steel leader is fine. Go long rather than short. A big muskie can take the bait deep and get to your main line. The general rule is for the leader to be at least as long as the lure. Longer wouldn't hurt. I like a 12-14" leader.
I'd go heavier on the braid. And ditch the spinning reel if possible.
Without knowing the lake structure and depth you are trying to fish it's hard to recommend lures. But it's usually a shallow water game. For minnowbaits I like 6-7" slammers. Should also have some bucktails. A mepps marabou in black body and nickel blades would be a great one to add. If your rod can handle it, rubber is a favorite of mine. Bulldawgs and Medusa's account for a lot of fish for me. You don't have to fish the giants. A Mini Medusa and a regular bulldawg will catch fish all year long.
