Reelfoot help

Looks like a few of my fishing buddies and I are going to be going to Reelfoot for a few days this spring and I'm totally lost. It's been years since I fished for anything other than bass and the main purpose of this trip is supposed to be to fill up a few coolers with crappie. I love to eat crappie, but as far as targeting them, I might as well be fishing for flounder. I know nothing about their habits or where to even start. This is all about trying something different and, hopefully, putting food on the table in these tough times.

Here are some of my questions:
Where to stay? We've never been there and know nothing about the area.
Should we rent a boat there? I have a 1984 16' aluminum with an old (67) Evinrude 9.5. Are the stumps really so bad that I should even leave this old tub at home? (I know better than to even consider taking my 21' Triton.)
Is it worth it to hire a guide?
Unfortunately, I happen to be a purist and would really rather not use live bait unless absolutely necessary. What types of artificials would be appropriate?
I'm sure I'll wind up at least trying to catch a few bass while we're there. What types of bait are good in this lake?
Any information would be appreciated - I'm not looking for GPS coordinates or "secret baits". Just trying to broaden my horizons a little.

Southshore resort just type that in a google search, rent the boat from them and it is definetly worth a guide for one day just 2 learn the lake can be a very dangerous lake if you dont know the trails, I duck hunt the lake with a guy that is on that lake everyday and we still hit a stump or 2 occasionally. Most guides will recommend live bait but jigs will work also.

Any of the resorts there in Samburg are good, they all offer about the same deals. Get a package deal for you and your buddies and use their boats. DO NOT take your own boat as you WILL regret it. Get a map and study it hard. Ask the people you are staying with for pointers and they will steer you right. The lake is an awesome fishery and is beautiful. It's like being in a big swamp. You guys will catch alot of fish and have a blast, I love Reelfoot. Great crappie, bass and bluegill can all be had in the spring. There are some Toads in that lake to. Don't let all the snake business bother you either, most are harmless water snakes, just keep a skuddle paddle handy in case one try's to get in the boat with ya. I've been there several times and have yet to see a Water Moccason. They are there but no where near as many as alot of the wives tails.

Good luck and have fun, you will be glad you went.

Eagles Nest Resort in Samburg is the best in my opinion. A guide the 1st day is huge.

We have stayed at Eagle's Nest last few years and they are great folks. We start out with a few rods with minnows and a few rods with jigs and just drift. Stick with what works. Mid March the crappie are out in the few channels that exist. If you pay attention, you will see that most of the guides are usually fishing close to each other in one section of the lake, depending on how the fish are moving. Last year, the 2nd week, they were ALL down by the Bayou De Chen channel at the west end of the lake, drifting with jigs. Ask the guys at your resort and they will give you good advice because they want you to come back next year!

i fished reelfoot many years. always stayed at eagles nest.dont ever take your own boat or you will regret it.as for the fishin they can be anywhere , it all looks good. there are some deep holes on the west side of the lake up to 16 feet, but most of it is 6 feet or shallower. i have caught some nice crappie coming out of the canals on either side, sometimes in 2 feet of water. they like to hang around the roots of the cypress as they pop up out of the water like stalagmites.

Thanks for all the input, guys! Just trying to make the trip worthwhile since it will be pulling me away from Kincaid lake in prime time.

I always like to go around the second week in May and catch the bluegill spawn!