Baitless barbless non fly tips?

I have also had good luck by removing the hooks from a small floating Rapala, then tying a 2 or 3 foot leader from where the trailing hook would be to a fly. The wobbling Rapala has a way of attracting fish, then they see the fly.

I do something similar but with a kastmaster.  Same idea though to impart action upon the fly.

Ah hell, hit me up at the beginning of summer and I'll drag you up to the Pit.

The biggest determining factor for me on rod weight is how far I inted to cast. The size of the target fish is secondary and lastly is if I am casting in wind. Most days I have to fish my 6 wt later in the morning as the wind on the river picks up. If you are targeting steelhead or salmon, 6wt at a minimum. If you are looking for high sierra trout on small water a more delicate approach is needed so I use a 2wt. The 3-4wt for the middle.
Other things to think about is number of pieces. If you are a hiker you want the rod to break down to packable lengths. So typically a 3 piece 9ft  6wt will do. The more sections the heavier and clunker the rod will be.
Not much difference between 5 and 6wt. 6 will give you bigger options down the line.

But really, fly fishing is a blast. Check out Temple Fork Outfitters rods. They are inexpensive and work fine. And just about any inexpensive fly reel will do fine for small rivers and streams (assuming you aren't tangling with adult steel).

Ohh... that sounds good! What size rapalla? Do you put singles on it too?

I don't put any hooks on the Rapala, just the single hook of the fly.

As for size, I guess it just depends what you're after, how "big" the water is, and how far you need to cast. The Rapala is basically serving the same purpose as a casting bobber (Google "adjust-a-bubble") but adding a little extra enticement. Basically it's just a way to cast your fly out there and keep it on the surface...