1. Redington, St. Croix, or Orvis 9 or 10 weight rod....DO NOT BUY a Loomis!!
2. Teton, Ross, lower end Lamson, or Orvis Battenkill
3. I suggest a full weight forward line to learn how to cast. As you progress, a shooting head may be something you want to try. My feeling is that a full weight forward line (probably intermediate) will allow you to get in touch witht the fly rod, i.e. how and when it loads correctly, and help you to develop essential basic skills such as double hauling. You will need those skills to get the most out of a shooting head.
Good luck and keep asking questions. The crowd here will definitely help you out!