Welcome Quackmaster. I am realitively new to crappie fishing. Hang around with these guys and you will get to know more stuff than you can stuff in your head. These guys are good, and they are very helpful. Where are you? I am in North Cent. Arkansas around Yellville. Bull Shoals is my home water, with Beaver being within striking distance. Of course I am not adverse to heading down to Lake Conway on occasion. Check out the posts on the next nightstalk. I went to the last one and it was a blast. Didn't get many fish, but got to meet some swell guys.
If you're too busy to go fishing, you're too busy!