I've been lucky enough to go between 1-3 times per week most weeks (got lucky with 4 times last week), and even if it is just a couple of hours, I still manage a few nice-sized crappie. I did get skunked a couple of times before/around Easter, but the last couple of weeks when the weather settled a bit have been productive, although not a limit. I think that some level of fishing consistency helps to watch the pattern helps, when weather, work, and kids' schedules allow, although a little luck to get started is useful.

My dad has been having the problem of getting skunked lately, despite me sending pictures of my pole setup, jig combos, etc. while he is fishing from his boat the exact same location that I'm fishing at the same time.