Hey, just thought I would throw in a couple of coppers here. I have fished all over the states, and although not as easy as a few other states, Florida remains right up there on the list of my favorite crappie fishing areas. As was said, electronics are the key to staging, open water, fish. Also it may take a while, but while heading from one spot to another, slow down a bit and study your electronics as you go. Notice where there is a rise or drop. I have done this and had great success when the fish are not in the pads. My favorite part of fishing down here for crappis is the pads though. Love dipping 'em. Either using a jig or minner, it is really exciting cuz you never know. Most of the time it is a speck, but sometimes....you will latch onto a really nice bass or get your drag tested with a bowfin (mudfish) about 8 lbs or so. Just my thoughts on the matter, but I really do like it here.