Is it necessary to have a tippet? NO
Does it hurt not to have one? Sometimes
If using a tippet, do you match it with the leader in terms of lb. test? Yes and the size of the fly

Is it possible to use two different fly line weights on a single rod? Reason I ask is because while looking around at Wal-Mart today I noticed a Scientific Anglers outfit labled 'Weight 5/6'. I'm assuming that means you could use either five or 6 weight on that rod? yes and you can "overweight" your rod with heavier line.

As far as fishing flies...this is where I really become clueless. How do you fish them? That comes form experience. Read about it for now.Prior to even thinking about fly fishing, I pictured it as casting and basically letting a fly drift, bringing it back in as it got downstream. Obviously that's not the case. Is it basically the same as conventional fishing? It depends on what fly you are using. A wolley bugger can be fished like "normal fishing", dy flies are normally drifted and nymphs.....well we won't get into that.Is the fly brought to life by rod twitches or what? As far as particular flies go, off the top of my head I'm familiar with Wooly Buggers, Streamers, Nymphs, Dry Flies, Poppers and Wet Flies. How do you fish each one? Just a general idea would be appreciated. Again, I'm just plain clueless as to what you do with a fly upon casting it out. That may sound retarded, but that's just how clueless I am.

Bringing fish in...now I've read that it can be done by 'stripping' or utilizing the reel (if the fish is large). The question I ask is does it hurt the reel to use it, big fish or small fish? no
Or I guess another way to put it is why not use the reel even on a small fish? because you don't have time and you can't let the line go out enough usually to get the fish "on the reel"

Say I cast with my right hand, as far as I know, the left hand is used to bring strip line in or reel in. I've noticed a little slack line out with the left hand out holding it whilst casting with the right. The question here is what is the purpose of holding slack line whilst casting? comes with practice I might be answering my own question but regardless...is it to let more line cast out or to shorten a cast? Hopefully that makes sense...

Casting cranks, vertical jigging, trolling, drifting, tossing inline spinners and buzzbaits, minnows under a bobber, etc...this is the fishing I've known my whole life -- fly fishing is completely foreign to me but it's something I'd really like to get into and learn as much as possible. I'm sure I'll have another question or two later, but this is what I've got for now. All help is appreciated.

I've only been fly fishing for about 5 months now but have learned a TON by reading on the internet. Use common sense when reading and don't belive all the bull out there. If someone says "this is the only way you can do so and so" you know they are full of bull. Many fly fisherman are so "dyed in the wool" they have no common sense.