Best beginners kit including rod, or even recs for in-person lessons?
I am absolutely new to fly fishing. I've done a little traditional fishing, but fly seemed a whole world away, and the gear seemed expensive and highly specialized.
What's attracting me to tenkara is the cost of entry but also the portability - I can have this in my backpack when I hike, or throw it in my car and always have it with me. So I do have an interest in getting a compact kit. And I also like not dealing with a reel, even if that aspect of tenkara has its downsides (don't mean to stir any pots, just something I've read). Basically low barrier to getting it, low barrier to using it. Seems great.
So, I'm wondering if you guys have a rec for good starter kits. I'm going to need basically everything, and a durable, laminated sheet showing how to tie the knots would not be unwelcome given my complete newbie status. If it has a book or something that would be nice, but I see there's lots of vids and learning material online at least.
I live in the northeast (PA) and have trout-stocked streams near me. There's a lot of tree cover; I've read that shorter poles are good for this. I also have access to lakes and rivers without the tree cover but they are less convenient to me. I'm not targeting any specific species at this time, I'm figuring I'll start by doing it where it's convenient and I have the most opportunity.
I wouldn't even mind paying for some in-person lessons, if you know of anything in the eastern half of PA. As best I can tell so far, everything around me is oriented to traditional fly fishing.
E: Thanks for all the tips. Still have a lot to learn. I think I just need to get started and go from there!