The Swedish Pimples and the smallest Kastmasters are all I use thru the winter, if I hit the ice. If the crappies are really cracking the bait I generally tie on a conventional 1/32 head and a standard sized open water plastic. I know Andy has fished the "nuggies" before and they were always a hot topic amongst Minnesota ice anglers, but the stuff being made here on the is site makes those baits look like bowling balls. This winter will have some interesting new presentations to try....if we cool down enough to make ice.
Andy.....I'll use the Pimples and Kmasters thru the warm months if I am snuggling up to sunken brush or pilings and want to fish a little faster than a jig allows. There are times when using them as you suggest, cast/retrieve after sinking works great on suspended fish.