Lanky,
Was this your first time fly casting? If so, be aware that when you assemble your rod, some pressure will need to be applied - but not too much - in order to ensure that the rod does not come apart. As a general rule, when I join fly rod parts together (the "male and female" sections are known as "ferrules."), I like to make about a quarter turn of the female section as I push the parts together. The amount of strength or torque required to do this would be roughly equivalent to the amount needed to seal the screw on lid of a plastic water bottle. Also, after lots of casting or a day's fishing, ferrules can loosen a bit. I throw off my tip sections from time to time. After an hour or so of casting it helps to tighten the ferrules a bit.