Haven't used minnows in a long time, but I'm sure I've missed fish on some of the tough days. I do use crappie nibbles occasionally.
This is another question to ponder. Do jigs, jigs with crappie nibbles, or minnows catch more fish?
I’ve said this before but it falls on deaf ears. Original formula Megastrike will catch any crappie when scent is an issue. They have it at Bass Pro, one tube will last you all year. Put it in the frig when you come in from fishing. Clear like vaseline (same consistency) but smells like garlic.
Used it on soft plastics for bass fishing for years, but it works on crappie too.