I assume at least at first, you will be bank fishing. I would start with a 6 to 7ft medium light rod with a high quality spinning reel with some 6lb test monofilament low memory line. This will allow you to cast a considerable distance. I would then take a few bucks each paycheck and head down to the local walmart and begin accumulating hooks, sinkers, floats, jigs and other artificial lures such as road runners and rooster tails. I would also become familiar with a slip float and how to use rig it. With that rig, you will be able to catch anything that swims in fresh water. Good luck and I hope in a few months you'll be coaching someone else on how to fish.
Welcome to crappie.com and you are in the right place if you want to learn to catch crappie.