Brocephus, don't be afraid to use those marker buoys, they are a very hand tool. I don't have a trolling motor at all, rely solely on my electronics and a good anchor. When you locate a good biting school if you position your boat right, you won't have to move again in most cases. I try to stay head into the wind when I am looking, so I can turn and drift back through the good markes if/when I see them. I am not much of a bird chaser, I like to find the biting fish in the open water and anchor down on them. Just the way I was taught.

The buoy marker is priceless especially in the wind. It's more of a reference point to know where you are than the fish. Now sand bass hugging the bottom aren't moving and sometimes it's a school of maybe a 10ftx10ft area where you drop that slab in that spot it's a fish every time.

I fish Slabs and Sassy Shad from www.moestackleshop.com . Years ago I use to fish live bait. Now the only time I do if I want to catch catfish too.

yes I'm a bit of a drifter myself

Can't wait to get back out there to try again. Dang social commitments keeping me down...