I just bought a fly kit (9ft / 6wt rod) and several small poppers.

1. I've read that the length of the leader should be as long as the
rod. Does this apply when using poppers (my leader is around 5 ft now
since I've been practicing knots and lost a bit of length)?

2. Since the poppers I'm using are much heavier than typical flies
(http://www.lurenet.com/catalog.aspx?...ckhopperPopper), I've
been able to false cast with a huge amount of line and go around 30 ft
behind me. Is this considered bad fly fishing etiquette? I fish off the
lake shore and keep telling people behind me to watch out.

3. What is a good video or web site that shows proper casting form? I
fished twice so far and came pretty close to catching my ear. I feel
stupid for asking, but do any fly fisherman wear some sort of ear muffs
or special hats that offer extra protection?

Thanks
Roger