Ok I spent the last hour watching casting vids on You Tube. I understand not breaking the wrist on the cast, timing, roll casts, steeple casts and how not to overpower the cast. I know I need to get on the water to do this and take my lumps.

I wonder though....when it comes to rods, are rods with fewer sections better for strength? I would guess so and since I'm not gonna be travelling with the rod how many sections should I be looking at? I have also learned in many other hobbies that I have to get something good even in the beginning. I'm not looking for a GLX Loomis type rod but I don't want a low end rod either. Going with the bass fishing analogy I'm looking for a shimano crucial type quality...know what I mean? If a rod is 5-6 weight what exactly does that mean? Just the line size as suggested earlier?
I agree I can see the reel being cheaper and spending more on the rod as long as my rig is balanced.
I was thinking $200-$250 on the rod and reel. Is there a certain brand that might hold a better warranty? Any more great help would be much appreciated.