Nothing wrong with starting out with a softer flex rod. Lots of guys will say that the reel is just something to hold line. True in a sense, but you want that line holder to hold up for awhile. Loomis is a good name and I'd have few reservations about buying the metntioned reel. While some guys have had great luck with the Okuma, I know others who have had troubles with them. Keep an eye out on the aution and classified sites for the Ross Cimmarron 4, Teton Tioga, Scientific Anglers System 2 8/9 (I'm sure they'll be other reccommendations) for solid performing reels in the size and price range you are looking for. You can also post a wanted ad on Flyfish.com.

The outfit Ryan proposed sounds like s solid startup...if you don't want to hassel with piecing a combo together for different sources I'd call him at Teds and you'd be fishing.

Another option for making the heads on a budget is buy some 550 grain Deep Water Express and use the provided chart to cut it down to the grain/sink rate you want, put some loops on it or have a shop so it...works and is cheap.