pretty much what tynan said. side stroke. if you get tired, just float on your back for a while. sometimes at the end of the night i'll just float around for a while, especially if its hot out and relatively calm.
as for plugs, i typically stick with eels or jigs if i'm submerged or on a rock so small that I can't place a fish on it with me. when I throw plugs, i crush the barbs and typically avoid big jointed plugs - they scare
me
are you trying to swim with conventional? that would be tougher since you have to keep it dry. i've tried once or twice and it was too much of a pain. plus i suck with a conventional and i don't need birds nests while away from shore.