Probably one of the best ways to learn is to book a good charter for a day. If budget won't allow that, hooking up and fishing with other guys on their boats is also a good way to shorten the learning curve. Offer to kick in on gas and bring some refreshments. I've never launched at the Metropark, so I can't help you fishing that area. What type boat do you have and how far are you comfortable running it? If you were to launch out of Bolles Harbor, I can be more help.

My preference for Erie walleyes is trolling hardware, usually mini-disks and spoons.