So to review:
So I have never fly fished in my life.. but am eager.

I have a Sage launch 5 wt. 8'6" rod, and thanks to the advice of folks on this site, I just ordered an Orvis BBS II reel

I live in Kansas City.. so there are smaller trout streams in southern MO I have access to.. also have in-laws in Colorado.. so I could be fishing larger streams/rivers.. and I have plenty of lakes to fish from as well.

So I've done enough research to realize I don't know anything...

I don't think the brand of backing matters... but if it does, please speak up.

However I am not sure which line to order.. I think I want WF, but after that.. does brand really matter?

So if you have some free advice.. I'm open to sugestions.

Thanks!

My advice would be a Weight Forward Floating line. Obviously it will be a 5 Weight line to match the rod. Everyone will have their favorite brands, so, in general, I believe you want to get the best line that you can afford. A good line will add a lot to your enjoyment of the sport and is much easier to cast well. I don't think you have to go to a $100 line like the new Sharkskin lines, but $60-$70 will get you a good line. Check out Siera Trading Post online. They often have very good deals on "last year's top line models" for a pretty good discount. Contrary to the hype, last year's llines are probably just as good as the new ones that come out this year.

There is time, once you've got a feel for the sport, to look at various sinking and other types of spciality lines that you might need. You are right, for a 5 wt rod, there is no real difference in the backing you choose for your reel. IMHO

Good luck and work on developing a good casting stroke. That is the key to enjoying the sport no matter what equipment you use.

Ironically I just flipped through this month's field and stream.. which is their spring fishing issue...

They recommend Cortland Precision Platinum Fly Line

Are they hyping it because it is really good? or because they got a kickback to promote it? Sorry sometimes the cynical side comes out.. :-)

I know I want a WF-5-F but maybe I am just over thinking this.. because I have about a million choices...

It's always a little bit of both.

There are several good brands, and Cortland is one of them. As long as the line has a braided core, it will be supple enough for your 5 wt. Other good brands are SA Mastery (Trout or GPX), Rio Grand, Wulff Triangle Taper and Airflo. They are all great, but my personal favorite for trout fishing is the Wulff TT (I seem to be able to throw a better loop with it).

You don't need to pay full retail. Besides Sierra Trading Post, check out www.streamsideflyfishing.com (they are in Cameron, MO near you). Also, www.flyshopcloseouts.com has some great deals. Finally, eBay typically has great deals on line. I just searched for WF5F and found an Airflo Ridge Presentation for $34.95 with free shipping. I don't think I have paid full retail for a fly line in 5 years, and I have all of the brands.

One more thing, I wouldn't buy a Sharkskin line, most of my friends have quit using them because they are like sandpaper to your hands. One guy wears gloves when he fishes his! Good Luck!!

With you being a newbie, I'd recommend either a Rio Grand or a Scientific Anglers Mastery GPX. Both lines are weighted 1/2 line weight up. That means a 5 weight line is actually a 5 1/2 weight line. You will feel the rod load up more than a standard 5 weight line.

In regards to backing for a trout reel, 20 pound backing will be fine. Don't worry about brands.

AB

Well I just wanted to thank everyone. I ended up buying Rio Grand. WF5F In pale green Thanks again!