if you're talking about the bobby garland baby shads or similar knock offs.....yes, they do work for active fish.
at the very least, it can help draw fish in for a wider distance.
the lake fork live baby shads also work.
my favorite is a 3" reins bubbling shaker (pink for crappie)...super soft...has great action even in cold, icy water.
sometimes a little scent helps, too.
start big, fish high(er) for crappie, + fish early + late in the day.
if you're marking fish, but they won't bite - keep an extra rod or 2 w/ smaller stuff handy.