I use a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig head with a small solid plastic grub with multiple tails like a tube jig. I don't like tube jigs because they don't stay put on the hook. I'll use paddle tails if they want something bigger.
The key for me is to have the jig/grub under a bobber to maintain a specific depth. A crappie suspends at a specific depth and rarely will go deeper to take a bait, but will come up a short distance to take the bait.
Another key for using something other than live bait (minnows) is to keep the bait moving ever steady and slow. Sometimes the only way to get the speed and steadiness right is by drifting or slow trolling.