Rescue Techniques F our basic types of bait are commonly used for Nebraska ice fishing. Grubs and small worms are by far the most productive baits for panfish such as bluegill, crappie, perch and rock bass. Baitfish such as minnows, chubs and shiners do well for crappie and perch and are highly favored by bigger game-fish such as bass, pike and walleye. Another category, meat baits, includes strips of belly meat from previously caught fish, perch eyes and strips of raw beef, all of which may be used in waters where live bait is prohibited.
Artificial lures are the fourth category.
Grubs and Minnows Many types of small worms and grubs produce well for ice fishing, and some of the best can be purchased by the dozen from bait shops. Waxworms and mousees are top panfish baits and are usually readily available. Ardent anglers who use large amounts of bait during the season often order waxworms, mousees and meal worms in large quantities from mail-order houses at a considerable savings Some anglers raise their own bait. A pamphlet detailing the culture of waxworms and meal worms is available from the Game and Parks Commission Meal worms are easy to raise, although they are not usually as effective as waxworms or mousees. Natural baits gathered from the wild are another alternative.