First off I realize this is a great place to learn as I'm a long time lurker. I'm wanting to sharpen my crappie catching skills as I've spent most of my life concentrating on LMB (and I'm not very good at that on a consistent basis). Wanting to learn more spefically on how to pattern and locate crappie throughout the year and ways to learn where to place boo piles. Are there any good books at movies out there?

Check out Crappie Anglers of Texas crappie club. They have a lot to offer. Tournaments, monthly meetings, fun events, and seminars where you can learn just about everything there is to know about Crappie fishing.

www.crappieanglersoftexas.com

CW

Might add your location to your profile.

There are allot of good people on here that could show you the ropes!

You might find this helpful : http://www.OldSchoolFishingSecrets.com/go/oscf/friday/list

I second Crappie Anglers of Texas! Join, go to a tournament near you and fish division 1. Even if you come in in 1st place, keep your ears open and you will become a better fisherman.

to the THUMP addition
Joining a crappie organization is a great way to start such as Crappie Anglers of Texas.
I joined the Williams Creek Crappie Club here on Lake Fork to learn more local knowledge and meet other folks with the same passion.
Hire a guide, even for 1/2 day trips if possible. Get a couple of buddies to chip in and go as to reduce the costs. Take a trip in the summer, winter, fall & spring on Lakes you'd like to learn more on. Let the guide know that you are wanting to learn the habits and haunts of crappie.
If you don't have graph with down & side scan capabilities, start saving your pennies and start with a used unit if you need too. Good electronics has helped me more than anything, not to mention the endless amount of info you can pick up here.
Watch for posts where somebody is wanting a backseater for a trip.
Good luck

Thanks for the info folks. I mainly fish Pines and Caddo in December, January, February and March. I tend to pile up with the rest of the folks on Pines but I'm sure there has to be a better way.

A good way to learn also is to save up some $$ and go out with a guide. When I first started that's what I did. They can teach you some good techniques.