It sounds like you picked a good one to start with. Unless there is something special about that 8' length for you, consider bumping it up to 8.5 or even 9 feet. With the new materials the extra weight will not be much; but, in return, it will be easier to keep the line up or work a longer line. The fish you are targeting are pond and lake fish where tight quarters are not usually a problem ant the length won't hurt you there.

IMHO one should ness before one finesses. You can try the light stuff later. My motto,"I do not want to catch a fish that feels like a whale on a 2 wt; I want the whale."

Good luck.