I'm with winterrun. Your first rod should be a 5 wt that costs less that $150. There are lots of excellent top end rods available out there, but a beginner has no need for them. it kinda like a guy with a learner's permit buying a Ferrari. I once saw a guy who could cast 30 feet of line WITHOUT any rod.

Cabellas, Lamiglas, Cortland and I'm sure many others, offer good entry level rods for less than $150.