I tournament fish our local lakes. When I first started, I knew one or two of them somewhat. I could find fish once in a while.

Since then, I bought books, attended seminars, went to fishing shows, read the forums, etc. All in an effect to figure out Crappie patterns based on time of year. First thing you need to know is about where the fish are going to be. Will they be in deep water, getting ready to spawn, moving out from spawning, etc. Where they are depends on the season. Okay, now that you have a general idea of where they are supposed to be. Now get on-line and do your research; read fishing reports, not just this years, but every year for teh same time frame you can find. Google Earth. Accuweather and cycle through the month history reports and match them to the fishing reports. What were the prevailing winds, temps, humidity, precipitation, etc.

Now the real work begins, time on the water. Start at the ramp when you prefish the lake. Ask those at the ramp how they did, what they were fishing for, where (not spot specific), coves, deep channels, etc. Ask the local bait shop owner, buy a lake map and ask him to point out a few spots that have been productive over the years. Information may be free, but the more you buy, the better the information gets. We aren't even on the water yet.

Launch, try to find fish based on there expected location for the season. Fish a little to ensure your marking Crappie and not White Bass, or some other species. If you start catching a few, find other places on the lake that are similar. Fish them too. Keep at it long enough, you will find a few honey holes. Its hard to leave a spot to find fish.

Tournament day. Fish your prime spot first, if your catching, fill your limit, then move to upgrade. Hard to leave a spot to find fish. Go back to an ealier spot, there maybe more there.

Good luck