I'm just starting out fishing more seriously. I've been doing some reading and research. I'd like to do some freshwater fishing, mainly bass fishing. I want to buy a rod, but I'm not totally sure what to get. I've heard graphite's the best, and a spinning rod is probably what I should get. But what about length, and what about the size of the guide holes along the rod? Should I buy the rod and reel seperately, and if so, is that hard to put together?

A graphite spinning rod, 6'6", medium power, fast tip, works well for me as a general-purpose bass rod. That doesn't mean it's right for everybody. I wouldn't be concerned about the size of the guides, I've never had a problem in that area. Buying a combo can save some money, but I've never bought one either because I'm not looking for both a rod and reel at the same time or the rod or reel, one or the other, is not what I'm after.

If your last question about being hard to put together means is it hard to attach the reel to the rod, the answer is no, it's very easy.

I would say a 6'6" or a 7' rod medium action spinning rod. I prefer 7'. I think you get a better feel out of it and you can cast farther. Just remember it all depends on how much you want to spend. In most cases the more the rod costs the better the rod.  IE  St. croix and Glomis   Happy hunting

Welcome aboard!

Combinations on sale at any of the major retailers are always a good bang for the buck. To begin with I would suggest a 6 1/2'-7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spining rod & reel. This is an example:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_59174_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Here is another thread you might find helpful:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546