Fishboy5,
Start out by getting the Orvis guide to flyfishing. read it, and then read it again.
GIJoes, hell, any good fly shop will have a courtland CL for around $79-$99. get a cheap floating WF (weight forward) line leader and tippet, get out and practice. After you watch a few videos, read a few more books, and practice some more. be paitent though, it might be a while to asorb all the info. I have just celebrated a full year with the fly, and I swear I will never chunk bait again. As time goes by you will see that the flies in the shop catch the fisherman, the flies you tie, catch the fish.
$400.00 rods and $500.00 reels are pretty as hell to look at, sure they catch fish. But you gan get into a great rod reel and line for under $200.00
Believe me, when you start tying your own, you would rather spend it on materials. Or a float tube/Pontoon. You'll see what I mean after you take the plunge.
Good luck.
Tight lines. laugh

[ 01-21-2002: Message edited by: readra21 ]