Welcome.
Chesdin is FULL of crappie. Most are 5-9”. They bite well. All techniques work.
James river has plenty. Bigger class of fish. Dutch gap is open. Starting point is the off channel bay north of Dutch Gap on the right. It’s shallow. Deepest is about 9’. Good crappie and bass in there. Does your 12’ have a gas motor? If so, plenty of crappie from Dutch Gap. Every piece of water out of the current will hold crappie. Including main channel piers, poles, wing dams and trees.
Diascund Lake has good fish. Wood Duck will be along with info.
Chickahomny river and Lake have great crappie and bass fishing. Both great for gas or paddle.
Good luck. Have some fun. James River is a mess this weekend.