Long flys are supposed to create the illusion of speed when being retreived hence the Comet series of coho flies. Tie up comets in various colors of your own choosing you won't be dissapointed with the results.
As to the method of swing strip etc. it varies and so should yours Iv'e seen coho take waking drys and I've caught them dead drifting and everything in between.
Fly fishing for coho is a part of the year I have long cherished and like all forms of angling you will get out of it what you put into it so stay the course learn from both your mistakes and your success you will enjoy it more and more as time flies by.