Justin,
Right on the money, when you fish in the shallow water 1-12' during the spawing months you are targeting fry guarders (even if you dont know it). Most anglers think that just because they are not casting for the fry guarder they are not targeting them. If you want to make a statement that your ethical and don't fish for fry guarder then you have to fish on the outside weed edge that is the only way around it.
When it comes to catching fry guarders here are the tips I would say.
1. Ability to find them - Here just like bed fishing good optics are a huge advantage, I use Kaenon because of the non-glare finish and the ability to see fish others miss.
2. knowing how far away is another keen observation that must be addressed, you have to know the distance you can be away from a fish and him still strike. - clue "they are all different"
3. what makes him mad - again this is a learned technique - sure you can discuss it on the board but being able to tell you how to do it and you trying it are completely different - I would say it is like a jig bite you have to experience it yourself to do any good.
Rich