I don't know if it really matters much as far as size limits are concerned. Here in Michigan there are no size limits on crappie and there are plenty of good to slab size crappies around the state. Sure there are a few lakes that have an unusually large number of dinks, but in general, it is not to difficult to catch 9 inch crappies in just about every lake that has crappies in it. We do have a 25 fish limit, which I believe helps as much, or more, then a size limit. As far as the electronics go, they are only as good as the guy using it. I have never used electronics of any sort. Not even a motor. I am, and have always been a canoe/kayak fisherman and am pretty confident that I can match most anglers fish for fish. Of course I use lake maps, and local information, but that is it, so I don't know that the electronics matters a whole lot for the most part.
It is not about the equipment you have to use,
It is about how you use the equipment you have. :D