You have hit the right spot to find out all of the above. Every single question is answered in one form or another. If you're interested in building some crappie habitat, you may want to go here. Crappie Cover and Lake Structure
Much debate has been written about minnows verses jigs and the combinations. Of course, if you want to know about crank baits for crappie, you may want to wander off to the Mississippi state forum and find the sticky thread Crankbaiting 101. It is the equivalent read of Tolstoy's War and Peace, but covers everything a person needs to know about cranks for crappie. The upper right hand side contains a search button which will fast become your BFF.
Enjoy the board and welcome.