On this heartfelt episode of the Terra Ballet Fishing Radio Show, host and fishing expert Michael Ruffino returns with tales of warm weather, aggressive stocking, and upcoming adventures on the water. Michael dives deep into fishing strategies for spring, including how to use hard baits and sonic lures to trigger reaction strikes during spawning season. Plus, he previews the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend (June 7–8) at Lake of the Woods, a family-friendly event with heavily stocked waters, special access areas for kids and individuals with disabilities, and even on-site fish cleaning and cooking.

Michael also opens up about personal challenges—his restricted mobility due to a neurological condition—and his determination to keep fishing alive through local trips, community connections, and his YouTube channel, Terrible at Fishing. Whether you’re casting with power bait or Blue Fox spinners, this episode reminds listeners that fishing is about more than just the catch—it’s about joy, nature, and shared moments.

🎣 Highlights:

• Details on Free Fishing Weekend & Lake of the Woods event
• Stocking schedule updates for Fish Lake, Hyatt Reservoir, Med Copon, and more
• Why hard baits work best during spawning season
• Sonic bait theory and fishing with music
• Personal updates from Michael and plans for local e-trike fishing trips

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

On this heartfelt and info-packed episode of Terrible at Fishing, host Michael Raffino returns to Gold Country Radio with a bittersweet personal update: due to worsening neurological issues, he's temporarily grounded from long-distance fishing adventures. But that won't stop him from sharing local angling wisdom and infectious enthusiasm!

Michael spotlights the 25th Annual Migratory Bird Festival at Veterans Park, where he'll host a booth with his art, custom baits, and infamous cribbage boards (yes, he's still addicted). He previews the Free Fishing Weekend (June 7–8) and the magical Children’s Fishing Event at Lake of the Woods—where laughter, trophy trout, and childhood wonder collide.

From the science of lavender-colored lures to stocking reports across Southern Oregon, Michael arms listeners with everything they need for a successful spring fishing season. Plus, touching reflections on life, nature, and community make this episode one of his most personal and uplifting yet.

🎣 Topics Covered:

• Personal health update and shift to local fishing
• Bird watching & Klamath Falls community love
• Migratory Bird Festival preview
• Free Fishing Weekend & Children’s Event at Lake of the Woods
• Hand-poured bait tips (including “Dancing Bones”)
• Stocking schedule insights
• Cribbage board confessionals
• The art of bait color in different water clarities

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

Terrible at Fishing is back with host Michael Ruffino on Gold Country Radio! This week, Michael takes us on a trip to Lake of the Woods, where the boat's back in action, the trout are biting, and the brown trout are lurking. Learn insider tips on targeting stock trout with spinners and the bubble bobber method, plus hear a full breakdown of upcoming fish stocking schedules for top Oregon lakes like Fish Lake, Lost Creek Reservoir, and Willow Lake. Michael also shares a special preview of the Migratory Bird Day event on May 17th at Veterans Park — blending his passion for fishing and birdwatching. It's a packed episode with expert techniques, conservation tips, and plenty of local flavor. Don’t miss it!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

In this week’s episode of Terrible at Fishing on Gold Country Radio, host and self-proclaimed fishing disaster Michael Ruffino kicks off the season with a tale of deflated dreams and boat repairs gone wrong — but ends on a high note with patch jobs, pontoon pride, and hopeful casts. Michael shares the hilarious saga of trying to hit Lake of the Woods after stocking, only to be thwarted by a pinhole leak and his buddies catching fish right in front of him. He dives into new bait designs, soft plastic experiments, and early-season bass tactics like jerkbaits and chatterbaits (which, of course, he forgot to bring). Plus, he walks us through detailed local fish stocking schedules, pointing out hot lakes, kid-friendly ponds, and secret tips on how to target the big fish that chase the stocked ones. From learning fly fishing to celebrating Oregon’s overflowing lakes and rivers, it’s equal parts comedy, education, and backwoods charm.

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

This week on Terrible at Fishing on Gold Country Radio, host and fishing expert Michael Raffino declares fishing season officially open! With lakes thawed and stocked, Michael shares his top-secret strategy for landing monster German brown trout by targeting recently stocked rainbow trout hotspots. Learn how to fish smart with swim baits, understand predator behavior, and master trolling techniques at Lake of the Woods. Plus, Michael reveals why black and blue lures are essential for spring fishing, gives insider tips on Dog Lake's hidden bass treasures, and explains the art of feeling cold-water bites. Whether you're chasing trophy browns or looking for reliable spring tactics, this episode is packed with everything you need to get on the water and start catching! 🌟

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

On this week's episode of Terrible at Fishing, host and self-proclaimed "expert at being terrible," Michael Ruffino, shares everything he learned at the local fishing club's special presentation by ODFW biologist Bill Tenniswood. Michael dives into the latest fishing conditions across Lake County and Klamath County, spotlighting hot spots like Lake of the Woods, Fish Lake, Gerber Lake, and Thompson Reservoir. He also reveals insider tips on crappie fishing, bass spawning patterns, and why dark-colored baits will be your best friends this spring. Plus, get ready for some big river adventures with updates on the Williamson, Sprague, and Wood Rivers, and learn about surprising predator behavior (spoiler: trout eating rats!). Whether you're itching to fish cold water trout or warm water bass, Michael’s got advice, laughs, and a little romance with the water to get you ready.

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

Join your favorite “expert at being terrible,” Michael Ruffino, for a jam-packed episode of Terrible at Fishing! This week, Michael shares insights straight from a recent fly-fishing club meeting featuring ODFW biologist Bill Tenniswood. From thawing lakes like Fish Lake and Lake of the Woods to hot crappie spots like Gerber and Willow Valley, Michael covers the best early-season locations for bass, trout, and panfish.

He dives into the effects of drought recovery, the return of fish to eastern Oregon reservoirs, and some fascinating fish-stocking updates—including shocking methods used during dam removals. Get the scoop on bass spawning in Bonanza, fly patterns that work, and even a trout that ate a rat (yep, a whole vole).

Later, Michael breaks down what’s happening on the Klamath River post-dam removal, where salmon are returning, and what’s to come as fish ladders and water flows improve. It's an adventure through creeks, lakes, rivers—and plenty of fish tales.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting to get the bug, this episode is packed with info, humor, and encouragement to get outside and cast a line. Tight lines and remember: it’s okay to be Terrible at Fishing!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

In this episode of Terrible at Fishing, host and self-proclaimed "not-so-pro" angler Michael Raffino helps listeners shake off the winter blues and get ready for spring fishing. With the ice melting and trout season just around the corner, Michael dives deep into everything you need to know about fishing rods—from the difference between spinning and baitcasting setups to picking the right rod power and action for trout and panfish in the Klamath Falls area.

He covers rod anatomy, tuning your reels, and why more guides mean better casting. Michael shares personal tips on split vs. full handles, carbon fiber blanks, and even throws in a little love for spin-cast reels. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just catching the fishing bug, this episode is packed with practical advice, a few laughs, and plenty of passion for the gear that makes it all happen.

Oh—and he might be heading to TV... maybe. Tune in and weigh in!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

Join fishing expert and host Michael Ruffino on this week’s episode of Terrible at Fishing as he dives into the art of bait making and shares invaluable tips to improve your fishing game. Broadcasting from Gold Country Radio, Michael kicks off the show with a quick fishing report, cautioning anglers about unstable ice on local lakes and suggesting river fishing as a safer and more productive option.

In the heart of the episode, Michael reveals his passion for hard baits, discussing his favorite colors and designs that work best in local waters like Lake of the Woods. From airbrushing techniques to choosing the perfect paint and clear coat, he shares his secrets to creating baits that consistently catch fish. Michael also explains the importance of matching bait colors to specific water conditions and offers insights into his go-to black and blue bait designs.

The episode doesn’t stop there. Michael takes listeners through the process of making spinners and soft baits, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of DIY approaches. He showcases the Tackle Tool by Jan’s Craft, a must-have for making spinners that fit any fishing style, and discusses the intricacies of crafting soft baits with affordable molds and plastisol.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and creative bait ideas to help you stand out on the water. Plus, Michael’s passion for crafting unique, effective baits will inspire you to try your hand at making your own!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing

Join Michael Ruffino on this episode of Terrible at Fishing, where he dives into the latest fishing tips, weather updates, and community events! With the ice on local lakes becoming sketchy, Michael stresses the importance of using a spud bar for safety and recommends checking out the warm waters at Bonanza's Spring Park for some reliable panfish and bass action.

Michael also discusses his favorite fishing lines and techniques, giving a breakdown of fluorocarbon versus braided lines, and shares practical tips for spooling reels without causing frustrating line twists. Whether you're an avid angler or just getting started, you'll learn the best practices for maintaining your gear and making the most out of your fishing trips.

Aside from fishing talk, Michael shares stories from his recent visit to World of Arki, where he met "Snoop" the red-tailed boa, and promotes the local fly-fishing club meeting at the Waffle Hut. Plus, hear about his handcrafted cribbage boards and how making them has become an unexpected obsession!

Don't miss this engaging episode filled with fishing wisdom, community updates, and a few good laughs. Tune in to Terrible at Fishing every Friday at 7 p.m. on Gold Country Radio and catch Michael's YouTube channel for more tips and stories!

Tune in Fridays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 AM on Gold Country Radio! 🎣

Watch Michael Ruffino on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@terribleatfishing