Nyc gives good advice on size.

There are many different brands and actions of fly rods. Most of the time the price of a rods will be determined by the quailty of blank, cork, guides and wrappings of a rod. The action of a fly rod does not determine price but is more important than quality. Fast action rods are stiffer and do not protect a tippet the way a slow action rod would. I like fast rods for dry flies and slower rods for nymphing. I would suggest going to a dealer and try some hands on testing for yourself.

Hear Hear on rod action. Demo a few rods to see if you gravitate towards fast action rods or something a bit slower. I personally like a slower rod. They seem to load better and deliver a more therapeutic cast. Great for beginning casters as well.I do have some rocket launchers that I will use when to wind comes up, which is quite a lot where I live. Each rod has its own feel...one will hit your sweet spot. My vote: 9 foot 5wt med/fast action...it will do just about everything.