Mornin' to ya.
I do have an Echo Solo 9' 5wt 4 piece rod. I use it primarily for trout. I have have done some bass fishing on it though, and that was a blast!!
As far as the blue gills go. I would say go with either a 4wt or if you are up to a really run time, a 3wt. I have a 7' 3wt 4 piece rod that I do small stream fishing on and it is a blast!!!
The only thing that I would be a little apprehensive about is if you have bass in the pond and you use a 3wt. It will be a little more difficult to bring them in quicker and easier.
Are you planning on using the rod just for blue gills? Or are you going to open up your fish options and go after bass and trout too? If you are, then I would recommend:
Rod: Echo Solo 9' 5wt 4 piece - $99 (comes with rod, rod sock, & rod tube)
Reel: Cheap reel. It is used to just primarily hold the line. I got an Okuma Sierra 5/6 (I can't remember all of the model name but that should be sufficient) from bi-mart for $35. It is durable, has a pretty decent drag system on it, and holds line for my fishing. What more could I need?
Line: Cortland 333+ 5W WFF - I got 98 yards of this for $40 from Sports Authority or Dicks Sporting Goods. It was either that or 57 yards of Scientific Anglers for $30. for $10 more, I almost doubled my fly line length. I know that I probably won't ever need that much, but I just like having that much. :lol:
Don't forget your leader and your tippet. I was using 5X tippet with a 5X leader when I was bass fishing and I got spanked a few times by the bass. If I had gone to a heavier tippet, I think I would have been ok. Just a thought.
Now comes the disclaimer.
I have only been fly fishing since April/May of this year. This is my first year. I started buying my gear Feb. of this year. So I am not very experienced when compared to others who have been doing it much longer than I have, but I am willing to share what I know and always welcome others who are more knowledgable than I am.
Hopefully that helps a little and gives you an idea of where to start.
You could always purchase a starter's kit from like redington or cortland, or something like that. But I personally like to buy parts and "build" it myself.
-Spydey