I shore fish and the water temps are high 30s to low 40s where should I look for crappies and gills? I was thinking about some dropoffs and docks. Also what should I use? I was thinking ice jigs tipped with a spike or a waxie.
You are right on with the ice jig / spike or waxworm combo. Right now I am catching them under a couple bridges where the water is 10 - 15 feet deep. Catching some using bobbers, others are being caught just letting the bait slowly sink toward the bottom. Most of the fish are suspended somewhere in the 5 - 9 feet range and will pick up the bait as it approaches them on the way down.
It is not about the equipment you have to use,
It is about how you use the equipment you have. :D