It's pretty simple. Decide what type of water you are going to fish, small stream, still water or big flowing water. A 11 or 12 foot rod is good for small to medium. A 13 to 14 good for still and rivers. Then, and this is the hardest decision what type of action. Slow or faster. I prefer a fast rod like the Tenkara USA Iwana in 11 or 12 feet. I also have for bigger water a 13 1/2 foot Amago. Lines are pretty easy. a level 3 or 4 flourescent is good the heavier line is for breezy conditions. For wind a 5 is better or a furled line. The prices will run you from about 100.00 to $200.00 for rod and line or there abouts.