I use floating line or sink tip fly line when I want to go deeper.... 6-8 lbs tippet most of the time.... to make it sink more slowly I use 10-12 lbs tippet... I call it a dummy fly because any dummy can catch fish on it... cast, wait 5 secs, strip it 2-3 inches several times and pause, repeat... usually they will hit on the pause while it is sinking slowly...Each lake/pond you have to flind the pattern of how they like it. Once you find one crappie I will work that area several casts to see if there is a pod of fish... As you know Crappie are very structure oriented, any deadfall is prime loaction and I will work those areas. Always work the bank parallel or at an 45 degree angle, not 90 degrees, Remember Crappie always feed up, fish it slowly, they can't stand to have a bait fish swim over there head without taking a whack at it.. I haven't fished it with out a beadhead, but I don't know why it won't work...it's the bodie braid material that drives them crazy. It undulates in water like like a fleeing fish