I figured out why the crappie are shallow - no oxygen in the deeper depths. I was cleaning out my bait tank in my boat and filled a 5-gallon bucket with water from our deep pump (20-25' deep). Very shortly all the minnows were gasping for air. I'm sure it has to do with all the fresh water rain and flooding we got. Nonetheless, just another of the many, many factors we all have to consider when trying to locate the fish. So many I'd forgotten this one or at least wasn't considering it. I normally watch water temperature very closely, but I will be watching the condition of my baited minnow too from now on. If I try a spot and the minnows are dying quickly and easily you be asured the crappie aren't there because of the lack of oxygen.