For me, half of the pleasure of fishing has always been just 'going and doing' so perhaps you've nailed it - get a nice reel that will last for a few years, go and 'play' by the river and learn from experience
There's plenty of good support and advice available from the forum members, someone local to you may even offer to come along with you for a day and point you in the right direction
Some instruction is a good thing and money well spent - so that might be an idea for a Christmas/birthday pressie in time. I'd look at some of the suggested books during the close season, a very good way to prepare yourself for the coming year
As you develop your skills you can work out for yourself what you need/want in terms of tackle, but I think we've pointed you in the right direction
H