The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hey G,
This is how I would go about it. You can and should go at it any way you choose. First of all I would get a medium priced medium fast action 5wt rod.

With a 5wt you'll be able to catch a wide range of fish while you are learning your skills. If you get hooked you'll end up with numnerous rods anyway. Your old 5wt can then be used as a back up or for a guest.
For the line I would go with a 5wt weight forward line. This will be much easier to cast so you can get off to a fast start. All local fly shops offer lessons. This will get you up to speed much faster. Once you take the class you should practice often on the front lawn so you can cast ok when you hit the water. You will be much more successful if you can make a good cast when you are on the water.
If you can't get to a trout stream easily fish any water available to you. Fly fishing for bass and bluegill is great fun too. Even if your main thing is trout you will pick up the skill of on the water presentation and hook setting. One problem with bass fishing is you bust some trout off because you get in the habit of setting the hook to hard.
Where will you be fishing. many of us around here are glad to show guy around a bit.

Have fun.

TD