did you make any progress this season codhunter?
i've been learning how to effectively transition sonar information into fish as well.
couple things:
-Carry a small crappie rod to catch the bait (in my waters i've learned white perch hold in open water...and crappie usually hold on cover).
-Don't position ur boat directly on top of the bait. Fish 100 ft away from the bait ball, in all four directions. Note if you get bites while shallow or deep etc of the bait.
-Fishing bait balls that are relating to cover/structure is easier than fishing bait that is suspended over open water.
-Ideally only fish bait balls that have game fish arches around them. However if there is bait holding tight to structure you might not be able to see the game fish so cast anyway.
-Use marker buoys to mark bait balls. You'll be surprised how fast/far a 9mph wind will blow you off a spot. Having a visual buoy helps keep you casting effectively.
simple good vid:
http://youtu.be/8xoSLNbLEEo