Ask a lot of questions. My preference on a first ever rod buy a kit. you are not going to learn how to buy components from a kit but you will find out if it is something you really want to do, and as previousely mentioned no matter how good or bad that first rod is use it!!!!! This is the rod you will never forget. If you mess up building the rod who cares we can fix it. Therre are so many pro's here I am sure there is not a mistake that can not be fixed. I say go for it with gusto and watch the addiction.