Waxworms
Waxworms are the soft white grubs that own ice fishing - a fat, scent-rich moth larva that bluegill and crappie inhale off tiny jigs all winter.
When ice fishing was invented, waxworms were apparently waiting: soft, pale bee-moth larvae the exact size of a winter bluegill's appetite, tough enough to survive re-baiting mittens, and oozing the fat-and-scent profile cold-water panfish key on. One or two on a tungsten jig is the default presentation under lids everywhere - and they moonlight all summer for trout and 'gills.
What it catches
Bluegill, crappie, perch through the ice above all; stocked trout, stream trout and summer panfish year-round.
Getting & keeping it
Every bait shop in winter; keep the cup in the fridge DOOR (cool, not freezing) with their wood-shaving bedding and they last weeks. Sawdust topped-up, lid ventilated.
How to rig it
One or two on a small ice jig (#10-#14), hooked through the fat end just under the skin so they wiggle; summer: same on tiny hooks under floats.
When it shines
Hardwater season start to finish - the co-default with spikes (maggots); early-season trout ponds; any ultralight panfish day.
Field tips
The juice is the bite trigger - a FRESH wax after every fish or two out-fishes a washed-out one; nip the tip with a nail for extra scent on tough bites.
Common mistakes
Freezing them (dead and black), gut-hooking them into paste on the hook, and jigging violently - cold panfish want a shiver, not a dance.