I was "sight" fishing and scared away an easy two dozen fish before getting this one. I believe the fly is called a nymph or some sort of nymph. These fish are rooting in the bottom in about 1 foot of water.

i bought a fly tying vise and started tying clousers; they actually look pretty decent. They are the only saltwater fly I own so far. From what you say it sounds like they are not newbie friendly.