Way to go Rocky. Lots of good rods out there at a decent price. Can't go wrong with Bean, lifetime guarantee; St. Croix has a rod in th $75 range that is guaranteed for life; Orvis has a lower priced rod, no guarantee though. Redington's are guaranteed for life and I know a guy who caught a 48.5 incher from shore with the Redington last year--loves them. Go with a nine weight and an intermediate line. I'm a little prejudiced toward the higher priced reels--I just don't like the drags on the mid or lowered priced ones. When you buy the rod get a quick lesson from the store, then, like Larry says, practice practice practice. I teach a beginning fly fishing class and i would be happy to send you some material--just e-mail me. As far as books, Tabory is the bible but sometimes I find it reads like the bible. Striper Moon by Kenny Abrams is an easy read, so is
Jack Gartsides Striper Strategies. Also can't go wrong with Bonderow's
Stripers and Streamers. final peice of advice--fish big! Catching schoolies on
a 5 wt is fun, but you'll be kicking yourself for the rest of your life if you hook a cow and you can't land him!