Simple pleasures are free
Welcome to the camp of FAOL !
In 2002, my children bought me a fly fishing combo from Walmart and it included a video tape tutorial. Who would have thought fishing Bluegills would become such a passion as the years unfolded. Since then, I have purchased pieces of equipment that could be afforded on a single parent budget. Truth be told, it is a matter of watching those year end close-out sales at our local shops, asking friends to sell me their old equipment, and honestly making a gift list for your birthday. In the area of Central PA, we are blessed with numerous streams, shops, and Trout Unlimited chapters; hence, you will not have a problem of gearing up and making daily adventures.
My only suggestion is to be humble, ask questions, and learn that PA fish do not know the difference between Orvis and Scientific Angler. Meanwhile, stop in a shop near you and ask for this months issue of ?Fly Fishing Guide? (that should be free), then subscribe to it. Grant it, FAOL has a wealth of information, but the guide is an accurate source of local hatch, stream reports, and free presentations/demonstrations.
All in all, Welcome to adventure of fly fishing in Central PA. Should you find yourself traveling Route 15 north of I-80, along the West branch Susquehanna river, give a wave to the guy fishing from a home built raft.
Be safe and take care!