Existentialist,

If money's not an issue, buy whatever appeals to you on a whim. If that's not your case, I never suggest high end fly gear to a first timer or someone getting back into it after an extended layoff.

I'm not sure if one rod is going to satisfy both your salmon and bonefishing needs. Depends mainly on what species of salmon and where. For bonefishing you'll most likely want a 7 or 8 weight. I used a 5 wt for small bones, but the wind made me wish I'd taken a 7 with me, for example. An 8 wt is a good all around salmon rod except for kings and some chum salmon. Also, humpies can be fun on a 6 wt.

The good news: there are almost no "bad" fly rods in today's marketplace. Find one in your price range that you like the feel of and go with it. I've seen good ones as low as $60, altho Reddington offers some nice choices for more than that. As you get more into the sport, you're gonna' buy a closet full of 'em anyway.

Most any reel will do if you're fishing for trout or panfish. For salmon and bonefish, you need a little bit of quality. That's gonna' run $100 or more, depending on what appeals to you and how much you're influenced by hype.

Good flylines can be had for $30, but most stores push lines that cost twice that. I have some of the more expensive lines, but I'm also still fishing lines I bought for $27 with no complaints or feelings that I need to upgrade.

In the Seattle area, most fly shops offer fly casting, fly tying, and fishing classes that will really steepen your learning curve. Visit a few and pick one you like.

Welcome to the fraternity. We're insane and hope to keep it that way.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.