Mealworms

Mealworms are the tidy angler's bait. These firm, golden beetle larvae come clean and dry in a tub, keep for weeks in the fridge, and stay on the hook without the mess of worms or the fuss of minnows. Panfish, trout and perch eat them eagerly, and they're a mainstay of ice fishing, where their small size and durability tip a jig perfectly. Easy to buy, easy to keep and easy to fish, mealworms are a convenient, effective bait for anyone chasing panfish and trout.

What it catches

Bluegill and other panfish, trout (stream and stocked), yellow perch, and other small-mouthed fish, plus crappie and small catfish. Their firm, small profile is ideal tipping ice jigs and small hooks, and they're a top choice for panfish through the ice and stocked-trout fishing year-round.

Getting & keeping it

Buy them at bait shops and pet stores (sold as reptile food), which makes them widely available. Keep them in the fridge in their bran or oat bedding, where they stay dormant and last for weeks, even months. Bring only what you need out onto the water and keep the rest cool; warmth speeds their development into pupae and beetles.

How to rig it

Thread one or a few onto a small hook or an ice jig, hooking through the tough head end so they stay on, or through the body for more wriggle. Fish them on ice jigs, under a small float, or on a light hook for panfish and trout. Their firm bodies stay put through casts and jigging far better than soft worms.

When it shines

Ice fishing for panfish and perch, where they tip jigs cleanly and keep well in the cold, stocked-trout ponds, and warm-weather panfish around cover. It shines any time you want a clean, durable, no-mess bait, and it's a favorite for anglers who dislike handling worms or minnows.

Field tips

Keep them cool so they stay firm and dormant; warm mealworms turn to pupae fast. Pinch or break one to release scent for a slow bite. Hook through the hard collar for durability, or thread the body when you want more movement. Mix a fresh one on after a few fish, since a crushed larva loses its appeal.

Common mistakes

Letting them warm up so they pupate before you can fish them, using a hook too large for the small larva, fishing a crushed, spent mealworm instead of a fresh one, and expecting them to draw big predators - they're a panfish and trout bait, not a bass or catfish offering.