There is a guy online here in Michigan that fishes out of a Kayake. In the spring he fishes very very shallow. He has mentioned on numerous occasions that he can sit and actually watch the backs of the fish coming out of the water. Once you find what you are looking for (the first time) you will have a visual reference of things to look for in the future.
All lakes are different in makup and size however, if you catch fish in one lake, at a certain depth, at a certain tempurature, chances are very good that they do the same thing in another lake. I remember when I couldn't catch a crappie in a lake and thought they were not there. Once I figured out what they like and where they like to be at any given time of year, finding them proves no longer difficult.
Take note of wind, water tempurature, waves, and sunlight. Usually coves with creeks or streams are a good place to start. Try the Northern side of the cove as the sunlight will warm that area first and it will have warmer water than the other side of the cove. Hopefully I gave you a few things to look for...
I have OCD "Obsessive Crappie Disorder"