Remember most winter patterns mean fish deep water. Crappie love to stay near the bottom this time of year. Concentrate your efforts on the lower half of the water column of what ever depth your fishing. Find the massive shad build ups in deep water and you will find the crappie right below them or just off the bottom. Look for the shad in main creek channels, mouths of deep coves or at dam sites on your favorite lakes. Good Luck and I hope you and your son catch a boat load.