[*]Lots of people fishing from the banks this time of year because the spawn should be about ready to go here soon. But having access to a boat will allow you to fish more areas, more easily, and more time of the year. Bank fishing for crappie can be pretty limited most times of the year.[*]Smithville Lake robs you to launch a boat. $100/year for Clay County residents, $90 for seniors. For you, it would probably be $130/year. That said, there are several small (unimproved) ramps you could put in at that won't cost you a dime and having a small boat like you have makes that a LOT easier than the big boats (many of which won't even bother). Plus, you won't have to run very far from the ramps to get to some quality fishing, which will be nice with that little 8hp motor. (My little boat has a 9.9 and I've been running around that lake for years with it.)[*]The fishing in Missouri is going to be way different than in Michigan (I'm from Wisconsin, originally). Reservoirs are great cuz there is a TON of underwater (or even exposed) cover to target. But distance from shore is misleading; there are several places where you're 25-30 feet from shore and you'll be in 20+ fow. And others where you're 100 yards from shore in 5fow. So best advice is get a cheap graph is money well spent. Even a Humminbird Fishin Buddy that clamps to the side of the boat...anything that will give you depth and maybe water temp. You may not use it to search the bottom for brush, but it will help to know how deep you are. During spawn, focus on banks (or at the first break line away from the banks to catch those big ol' girls!) In summer, find a tree and drop straight down alongside it. (Dipping.) Up where the "free boat ramps" are is going to be the best fishing anyway, imo. Depth will change throughout the year.[*]jigs are fast and easy. Not a lot of messing around. And at times, they outfish live bait, or at least do just as well. (Or better, given that you don't have to mess around with minnows.) But as a rule, minnows will outfish jigs on that lake. Just hooked up through the bottom of the lips is how I do it.[/LIST]
I'm sure others will chime in, and probably discredit my advice citing my fishing abilities but don't believe a word of it. It's all heresay.
Good luck!
Oh, and....pay attention to this site. Priceless information out here. And a little BS to keep it fun.