Howdy from Louisiana... Got a few questions and hopefully get alot of answers and advice... Im new to crappie fishing, like brand new, never done.. So heres a few questions and please provide any tips or secrets.. Ive veen an Unsuccessful bass fisherman for about 3 years..lol.. So i know how not to bass fish.. Figured i woukd try my lucck and sone crappie...

1) anyone have an image of what crappie look like on sideinage and downimge.. How do you know its crappie and not gar,bass,catfish or aanything else..
2) im not very patient, i like to cast and retrieve kinda guy. I hate sitting in one spot watching a bobber for an hour.. So what i gather is a road runner is the lure to go.. Anything else work? Ive caaught a few on crankbaits by mistake.. Are the snall crankbaits effective? And do tou fish them the sane as you would bass fishing?
3) I seen where people veen saying to fish shallow in summer for big ones... How? I thought they were hiding on the bottom... Water temp is in the 90's here.. Dirty muddy nasty water..
4) do crappie perfer still water or current or whats their idea of a good home...

Any help would be awesome.. Thanks