1. check out this site: http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/
2. give the walmart rod and reel to someone you dislike
3. buy the starter outfit from orvis or llbean (note their guarantee)
4. cost depends... stuff costs. keep cost reasonable until you decide
5. forget the net.
6. waders are necessary only in winter, unless you dislike wet-wading
in warm weather
7. 52 with a 4 year old? yup, you're gonna need to learn ff... welcome
to dante's second level...

hope this helps... rlstf (or, is it rsltf?)

pmbedard wrote:

Hello group :+)
I have this passion about learning to fly-fish - I'm fifty-two, and
really need this for various reasons. I decided to begin slowly and
inexpensively, in case I find it impossible (and I'm poor), so I
bought the cheapest rod/reel outfit at Wal-Mart. Now ANY help is
greatly appreciated!
What is a "leader"? What type of line should I get? Any good books out
there? I have some flies I bought on Ebay, and a vest, but what else?
A net, waders?
How much should I spend on this stuff? I want to take my wife and two
daughters, but the girls are too young - four and nine years old...I
want them to remember this, and to experience it themselves...
I'll probably fish in North Georgia, as I live outside Atlanta...I've
checked out some good websites, and there is year-round fishing in
most of these counties...
I can't afford lessons, guides, trips to Montana, etc....
Please don't tell me to take up golf, or to go catfish/bass fishing...
any advice is really appreciated - THANKS!! Paul