Get a map and launch where you are going to fish. I couldn't get any help on here one year so when I got to the place I was staying, I unhooked my trailer and took a road trip around the lake. If the crappie are there, the boats will USUALLY be there as well. I figured out where all the boats where at different areas of the lake and that is how I began my search. Ended up wearing the fish out. Last years trip was awful. I hired a guide too and only caught 4 or 5 crappie.