Questions about Fishing Shallow waters!

First I would like to say Happy New Year to everyone. I have a few questions about fishing shallow water.

This past weekend my pops and I went fishing in the Lake Des Allemands area and only caught 2 crappie. Now I know for a fact there are plenty of crappie in the area from hearing the stories from the local (veterans) However these old guys don't wanna let go of thier secrets so I'm trying to learn where to start.

I recently got a new toy from Mrs Clause for christmas which was a Lowrance x-125, and I'm trying to learn how to use it and what I'm looking at on the screen.

The depths that we saw were only from 3-9 feet at most (which was in the canals) Now once we got into the Main Bayou we saw depths of 3-18 feet with various drop off's.

Could someone offer me some advice where to start? Am I on the right track? I'm planning on setting out some Condo's (once I make sure it is okay to do so). Thanks in advance for your time and look forward from hear your suggestions.

a shallow lake i would look for deep channels in a curve with brusk or stumps . if nothing present . put out some condoes in th deeper water . like bambo . keep it 3 to 4 ft. below serface or go to something like this .
http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showthread.php?t=10887

this may be to high but you can cut it down to be shorter .
http://www.crappie.com/gr8vb3/showthread.php?t=13109

Thanks Papa (again) I figured I would post in the main forum just in case some people would overlook in in the Structure forum. Thanks so much for your input and time. I've been reading a-lot today. Thanks again.

Chad Allums