Orvis sounds like a good place to start. I dont think Id pay money for a casting class. They're pretty expensive and you would do just fine by purchasing a casting dvd for under $20 (try Cabelas or Orvis). Then you can work on your own. When you feel comfortable, I would hire a guide to take you fishing. They will not only help you land fish and find good spots, but they will also help you with your casting and technique. This way you get to fish and work on casting for one price. As far as knots, gear, and fly hatches go, Id get some good books. Fly fishing can and will become an addiction. It can get pretty expensive too. I now have a collection of rods, being that you need a different size rod and line depending on the size of the river, lake, or salt water you are fishing. Fishing in the bay and ocean in our area can be fun, but the wind needs to be as calm as possible. As for trout fishing, there arent a whole lot of great rivers in the southern part of the state. You got the Rancocas, the Metedeconks, Toms River, and Manasquan. All are pretty tricky as far as backcasting is concerned. The further northwest you go the better. Route 31 is a great ride, as it crosses the South Branch, the Musconetcong, and the Pequest Rivers. From there you aren't too far from fishing the Delaware, or my personal favorite, the Big Flat Brook. Best of luck and let me know if I can be of any help. My go to book was the Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing. Has about everything you need to know to get started in it.
