You may have better luck using a float with a minnow or jig below you float 24''. Throw past the brush and work the minnow or jig back over the brush slowly. Also try throwing a jig past the brush without a float using a count-down method. Throw the jig past the brush pile and once the jig hits the water count to 2 before retrieving. Next time count to 4 and so on until you find the right depth by counting down your jig. All brush don't hold crappie and other brush may hold crappie at different times of the year.
What waters are you fishing. Color choice could make the difference in catching crappie also. Be sure to give some reports about your trips and let us know what you try, can help more once we know a few more details and water temps & water color.
Good luck
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Ascend 133X 13' - MotorGuide Xi3 & Mercury 4