Thanks a lot for the feedback everyone.

The Avid series travel rods come in a 9' or 10' and the 10' is a 4-piece, so I'll pick that one up to avoid the houses behind me as Sparkey suggested.

One concern I have is that as newbie, my cast may change as I improve, but likely I'm so new that if I get a rod, I'll adapt to it. ?

I did try a SAGE DL2 7 wt. at class and it seemed nice, but more a bit too much "moderate" on action. Maybe I'm off, Sparkey?

My friend has a G-Loomis 8wt. GL2 that I plan to take to class next week, so I'll get to give that a go also. I really like my g-loomis baitcasting rod, so I'm very interested in that rod as well.

Topwater: Does Ted's sell the brand you referenced? If not, does anyone in the North end?

Sparkey: Why did your recommend a 10' 6 & 7 wt. rod, but then a9.5 for the #8?

Also, the west side of Whidbey gets A LOT of wind. Will the #8 rod help in casting into the wind, or is that more ability and line selection.

Help, I'm new and there is a ton of stuff to figure out

Thanks again!