I hear ya. Fly fishing is fairly new to me but i have been doing pretty well. About to start tying my own flies as well so hopefully that doesn't bring my game down. lol I am definitely ready to toss the waders on and catch some fish! Trout, turkey tautog up next in the line up as well as a few bass tourneys. Good luck to you.
I've been tying for a few years now. I tie most of my own subsurface flies. However, small dry flies, like those used at the Swift, are very hard to tie the proportions properly. I end up with a size 18 hook and size 8 wings. Over time its getting easier and easier.