For me it's all verticle jigging and casting depending on the time of the year. One thing I do know, when retrieving a jig slow swim it depending on the depth you want to be at. Don't jig it at all just a slow steady retrieve with your rod tip low. Another method that works well when the crappie are deep is to cast out, let it sink to the bottom and lift your rod tip slowly letting the jig swing towards you then reel in the slack and do it again. The strike is just a slight bump and as your reeling up to the fish they will typically be swimming towards you and you will feel a weight not a tug.