I agree with the advice not to just buy something cheap. You might want to take a casting lesson or two, and demo a couple different rods to get a feel for what is comfortable for you. My first fly rod was a Sage, and I don't ever regret it. I knew I was in the sport for the long haul, and that rod is still my go to rod when I fish. It goes with me on about every trip I take.

On the other hand, don't rule out other rods like Reddington, St Croix, or even other so called low end rods. Many of the blanks made these days use the same technology as the top of the line rods of a few years back. One guide told me that every fly rod is a good rod. Just some are better.