All the above are true, but experience is the best teacher. Watch what others are doing. Ask others. Most crappie fishermen will talk to you about techniques and locations. There is a lot of knowledge on this site. Ive picked up quite a bit of info from Rees Guide on Mississippi forum. They fish a little differently and some of their techniques have helped me broaden the spectrum a little. For example, I didn't have a clue what a gnat was until Rees told me and Ive been fishing over 50 yrs.