I would agree with the previous recommendations for Echo Base and TFO NXT packages. I have bought the Echo, TFO and Redington Path pkgs for people starting fly fishing. I'm most impressed with the Echo Base package and now have an Echo Base rod as my backup rod. I was least impressed with the Redington reel although the Path rod was fine.
TFO rods are distributed from Calgary with replacement rod sections easily available. Some local Fly Shops (Fish Tales in Calgary) carry replacement tips for the Echo Base rod.
A 5 wt rod might be the most versatile weight for a first rod. Although I have a sweet 8 ft - 4 wt rod for smaller stream, I find I'm using my 9 ft-5 wt more only because of the winds that seem ever present in SW Alberta.
Good luck!
Ken
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