Bite time for Crappie is more important than anything. Once you locate them find out what time they start biting and then show up a half hour before ready for action. I mean have all the holes drilled and baited and go to go. I know guys how find them during the day, but I have better success at night. I go home from work, look at the clock, and figure out how long till I have to be there. Can even get a nap in most times. Your lake may vary, but the times won't change of when you can expect a bite. I use minnows on a horizontal jig. If I am missing I will pinch off the head of the minnows and slide the hook into the body so the point sticks enough out the top to catch them. Jig a few times and give them a chance to zone in on it. The one with the pinched off head is easier for them to find. Also you will need to know what kind of minnow they prefer. Some lakes the Crappie like the fat heads only. Others like shiner minnows only. Once you figure these few things out you will have enough confidence to Catch Crappie all season.
One more thing if you have a short bite. Meaning it doesn't last too long, your getting them going from one place to the other. This usually happens toward last ice and they are hard to hold in one spot. Fish them in a known spot that holds Crappie and move out to deeper water off the drop off from that spot. A flasher will make it better, but if you fish say 7 foot deep in 21 foot of water you will find them. Depends on the lake you fish.