That's quite a subjective question.

I started with a 9' 8wt that I bought from a man I consider my fly fishing mentor. I am 4 years into fly fishing and own 7 fly rods, a float tube, 2 pairs of waders and 5 or 6 reels.

Buy as much rod as you can afford. I recommend the Stowaway combo from Cabela's. It's a heck of a set-up for a beginner.