i only use poppers when casting for bluegill and bass, but both will mow down a clouser minnow.

for big bass i'll throw a larger EP style fly.

Go to your local fly shop and ask a bunch of questions, i'm sure they'll get you set straight.

Generally you want to work flies that immitate the bait that the fish you are going after are eating.

I dont know anything about SW FL but in the ML/IRL i'll throw shrimp or crab flies the tailing fish and try to throw a baitfish pattern to reds/trout busting bait/cruising around.

Like i said, the best thing you can do is go in to your local shop and become freinds with them. Most usually have guides coming in and out daily. You can get some great info like the flies that are working right then and maybe which areas are productive.