New to Swinging Wet Flies

[Hooksleft]

Hello! I'm in Idaho but it is my understanding you PA'ers are the best at swinging ways. I've been fly fishing 3 years (ocean fishing 20+ prior to my move). About 3 months ago I started swinging wet flies. I've never had more fun fishing. I truly love it better than dry or Euro. Anyway, I have some North Country Spiders en route. Questions...
1) Poly leaders, yes or no? If yes, floating, 1.6 IPS or the 6+ IPS? My water is typically shin deep to max pockets of 4' with lots of rifles
2) Furled Leaders yes or no? If yes, floatant on the leader or no
3) Mono vs Fluorocarbon
4) when to use soft hackles vs traditional winged wet?
5) How do you use Traditional Wet Fly Streamers? Like any streamer or ???
6) When to use split shot vs a tungsten soft hackle
I've yet to run into 1 person in Boise that swings Wet flies so any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Hooksleft]

One more thing...my current rod is an Orvis Encounter 9' 5wt with Cortland Peach DT5. Was considering getting a 10' 4wt Moderate Fast rod. Is that a good choice?

 

[Oregon_OwlII]

Don't overthink it. I weight my wets, usually tied in soft hackle style. If you can get any books by Sylvester Nemes, all your wet fly desires will be satisfied.

 

[redietz]

I fish wets almost exclusively. Here's what works for me. YMMV.

1) I use polyleaders in the winter, but generally not year round. I have a wallet full of them, so that I can change to different sink rates for different depths. I'll occasionally use a floating one if I'm in a spot where I'm mostly (single handed) spey casting.

2) I don't use them.

3) Mono.

4) Why not use both -- a soft hackle on point and a winged top dropper?

5) It depends. Sometimes I just swing them; sometimes I use an active retrieve. One thing you can is mend downstream to make the fly come across the stream, giving the fish a profile view.

6) Again, only in the winter.

Further question) I tend to get better hookups on a slower rod. A longer rod can be an advantage, for one thing it's easier to work the top dropper above the surface. That said, most of my wet swinging is done with a 7'6" or 8" cane rod, so a long rod isn't absolutely required.