Several years ago, I purchased a forward-facing sonar. With the amount of fishing that I do in both winter and summer, it made sense to have a tool that would help locate fish. As it turned out, this unit taught me a great deal about fish behavior.

The most important thing I have learned from the forward-facing sonar is how spooky fish are and how much they move around. In winter, any noise on top of the ice makes fish nervous and often causes them to change locations. When fishing shallow in the open-water season, the presence of a nearby boat does the same.

There are other factors to consider when referring to spooky fish, such as water depth. Deep water tends to give fish a sense of security in both winter and summer. In shallow water, weeds or some type of cover will make spooky fish feel more secure. Fish feel more secure in stained water than they do in gin-clear water.

Now is a good time to think about early-season strategies and ways to combat the spookiness of shallow fish.

I have written articles before about the need to fish far from the boat in the spring. The use of bobbers or floats that are somewhat heavy for their size help with long casts. Seven- or 8-foot fishing rods also assist with making long casts.

I always use an electric motor to approach shallow areas I plan on fishing. I recall numerous times that other boats came to join in on the panfish we had located, only to spook them away by running their outboards too close to the fish.

If you use an anchor to hold your fishing location, slide it into the water gently. A big splash does not help your stealthy approach.

Many times, I have had to fish right next to docks in spring to catch panfish. Docks offer a sense of security that shallow fish appreciate. When fishing close to docks, making accurate casts is extremely important. Targeting docks is especially helpful in lakes with exceptionally clear water.

Shallow weeds or shoreline cover also helps spooky fish feel more secure. If something offers security, they hold in one spot longer. Several times, we have managed to catch limits of crappies next to a fallen tree.

Wind can make a difference. Fish spook easier in flat water than they do in waves.

Chasing spring panfish is a favorite pastime of many anglers, me included. Understanding the spookiness of shallow-water panfish can help with the process of locating and catching fish.

For more insight and tips for fishing throughout the year, check out the articles in every issue of MidWest Outdoors, available by subscribing on our website.