One thing about 10 footers if you don't no already is there big and heavy,that extra foot makes a big difference.
I had a 10' 6wt.It felt like a 9' 8wt.If 5 wt is what you want then try a 10'4 wt.
My suggestion would be a Z axis or something similar as the higher end rods are lighter.
If your fishing a light mid naked then yes.I make my leaders 25% longer then the water is deep.I wait a few minutes for the fly to sink then start the retrieve.
If i have an indi on and some shot or a swivel then its the same length that i want to fish.Normally i let it sit in the rod holder and give it a twitch hear and there.
Hey if bowling is a sport then fishing is also,besides we can all call our selfs athletes then.
A quote from Brian Chan.
"One will never know all there is about fly fishing and that is what makes this sport so fascinating. The real satisfaction comes from knowing that you understand how and why the fish were tearing your fly up in that particular day."
Welcome to wonderful world of tying,now your gonna need about $1000 in materials so you can start inventing.
BTW not bad for first try,i had no instruction so i probably tied 50 before they looked like that.
Ya the one's i have are very weak,its why i always cut off the jig hook and attach a stinger.
Thanks for the tip I'll look for some of those,i always thought there has to be a better quality type around.