Lake Purdy anyone?

Hey guys and gals, my name is, Brian. The "new guy" here. LOL

I hope this post finds you all doing well. I am heading to Lake Purdy, FEB 6th, 2016 (this Saturday) for the very first time. It's raining right now and kinda cool outside, but Sat is supposed to be sunny and 55 degrees in Leeds, AL. Not sure on where to go when I get there. I know it's kinda early right now, but if you google the lake, those people are pulling in 3-4 lb Crappie right now off the bank! I don't know what the water temp would be for that day, but how would you recommend rigging a pole up for minnows? I've heard to use a slip bobber with #1 drop shot hooks and fish 22" deep. I heard to use #5 split shot weight on a 8lb Visious low-Vis (Clear) line.

I was thinking of renting one of their boats for 6 hours, but I don't want to waste my money if it will be a bad day to go. And I'm taking my kids fishing with me for the first time and would like to produce fish for them to see.

Any thoughts?

This is what someone told me ...

Minnows will get a bite 75% of the time if the fish is there. If you can find fish on the bottom with depthfinder then use a typical drop shot rig like I used in this video. I like a 1/0 gamakatsu drop shot hook. I use 15# braid with a 10# flouro leader. I use a cheap 1/4 oz casting sinker. 1/4 oz is good for 15 ft to 25 ft deep. If fishing for suspended fish I'd put a 3/16 or 1/4 split shot 2 ft up from the drop shot hook on the end of the line.

Well, it seems Lay Lake in Columbiana is dead. No one is really catching anything in that muddy water. I went to Lake Purdy's website this morning and they report Crappie are hitting good. Being as I don't have a boat, I have to rent one. $60.00 for 6 hours. I think that's ok I guess. Does anyone want to maybe go with me? I could use some guidance. I haven't fished in a boat in years. I would like to get back into it. I tried to ask for a ride from someone close to my location, but everyone seems tight lipped on the idea, except one guy who was willing to take me but that was a 2 hour drive and I was going to try and make that but my dog got sick.