This topic has been discussd before, so if you do a search, you might be able to find some of the links
The Bass Pro kit got us started. I used whatever jig heads I had on hand and when you're just getting the hang of it, the barb can help you get the thread going without it spinning on the shank.
You can get all the plain ball head jigs you want along with all the other supplies, books and videos from http://www.jannsnetcraft.com
I bought the book, Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple by Skip Morris. The illustrations are large enough that you can refer to them while you have a fly (or jig) in the vise. You can use the fly patterns on jig heads for crappie fishing. You can also make weighted flys using thin wire on the bodies.
Have fun and see what happens. - Roberta
"Anglers are born honest,
but they get over it." - Ed Zern