Try everything you said, J-bass.
I also like to use a long leader.
My rig is set up as follows.
Run the line from your rod through the small end of the bubble.
Tie a snap swivel to the line. The swivel will stop the bubble from moving closer to the fly.
Putting the swivel at the large end of the bubble keeps the stopper of the bubble in place.
Next, make a leader that's about as long as your rod is. [Even longer if you can cast it.]
I don't bother with florocarbon but it's your choice. I use 8# fly tipit for the leader.
Tie a loop on one end and attach that end to the swivel. Now what I do next differs from others.
I tie another small snap swivel to the other end of the leader. I use this swivel to attach
the fly.
This does 2 things. First, it adds weight to the fly instead of adding a sinker. Second, it makes it very easy to change flies.
I like to use a black swivel and I fish with black, dark green or brown woolly buggers.
Some people like to also use white, purple and bright sparkle buggers. You can try them all.
You are almost ready to fish now. If you want to fish close to the bottom of the water, fill the bubble all the way full of water. Use less water to float the bubble, and fish closer to the top.
Now for my secret sauce. I add crawdaddy smelly jelly to the fly.
Cast as far as you can and if you are fishing a full bubble, wait several seconds before you start to reel back in, to let the fly sink.
I find a very, very, very, slow steady retreave works best, most of the time.
When you feel a strike, just snap your wrist to set the hook. Don't use a bass set, as this will pull the fly out of the fishes mouth and scare it away. By just giving a short quick set, the fish will continue to follow the fly, if you missed the hook up. It will strike again.
Cast all over the water if you have room.
Also, don't over look other smaller flies like Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Zug Bugs.
Be careful removing the fly from the fishes mouth. You can dammage the fly if you use plyers or forceps. You should be able to remove the hook with your fingers. You can also pinch the barb of the hook down, to make it easier to remove the hook.
Once you have mastered this way of fishing, you will be ready to try a fly rod!
Good luck and have fun,
Grandpa D.