You have many of the basics.
Most fishing skill comes from experience and trial and error. Keep it basic when starting out, don't try to set up anything real complex. Stick to simple bait fishing.

In your neck of the woods I would imagine that this years hatch of Bluefish are stating to turn into what are know as "Snappers".
The snappers will be very active along inland waters during the end of July through early September. You can use a basic bamboo-cane pole or get a light spincast set up. The snapper rig is basically a bobber with a leader and long hook. You bait it with small baitfish (you can buy these or catch them too with a minnow trap or casting net).
These baby Bluefish will eat almost any prey so you can use shiners, spearing, killies all kinds of bait fish.
Try fishing for snappers and you will gain a lot of experience this summer. Then expend on other species, gear and techniques.

Another path is to do the same except in a freshwater pond and learn to fish for varieties of sunfish; easy to learn as well.