I second the Old Man's recommendation. I find myself consistently at odds with the recommendations of fly shops regarding fly tackle for novices. Anyone who really gets into fly fishing will become a gear junkie and acquire more rods, reels, and accessories than they'll ever need. I'm finding that there is very little bad tackle in the market place anymore, unless you shop at only the cheapest and worst outlets, and even then you can do very well.

Considering your location, I also recommend a trip to Sportco (I think that's what Old Man was referring to) in Fife. They have very servicable rods under $100, Okuma reels for about $35, and SA Supreme flylines under $30. These are very good, altho not premium products, but the thousands of fish an outfit like this can catch will never know you didn't spend more.

A 5 wt in 8 1/2' or 9' or 6 wt in 9' will get you off to a fine start.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.