Bait Hacks and DIY Tricks: Reel in More Fish!

Bait Hacks and DIY Tricks: Reel in More Fish!

Author: Host: Michael Ruffino ; Producer: Michael Wood March 28, 2025 Duration: 31:02

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


You might be terrible at fishing, but that’s exactly where this show begins. Terrible at Fishing Radio Show on Gold Country Radio is built on the idea that the best lessons come from mistakes, and host Michael Ruffino has made plenty of them. An expert fisherman with deep roots in Southern Oregon, Michael doesn’t just share polished tips; he digs into the messy, real-world process of figuring out what actually works on the water. While the focus is on local lakes, rivers, and waterways, the insights are universal, applying to anglers casting a line anywhere. Each episode feels like a conversation with a seasoned friend who’s more interested in you catching fish than sounding like a textbook. You’ll hear practical tricks, seasonal advice, and honest discussions about why some days nothing seems to bite. Produced by Michael Wood, this podcast transforms a regional radio broadcast into a personal guide for the wilderness. It’s for anyone who loves the sport but could use a nudge away from common pitfalls, delivered with a dose of humility and a clear love for the outdoors. Tune in to shift from frustration to a more confident, enjoyable day by the water.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 25

Terrible at Fishing Radio Show on Gold Country Radio
Podcast Episodes
Smallmouth Slammers & Soft Bait Secrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:35
Michael Raffino is back on Terrible at Fishing with stories from an epic trip to Lake of the Woods—where he, his buddy, and a recent grad landed over a dozen smallmouth bass using hand-painted baits and precision techniq…
Lily Pads & Lunkers: Mastering the Art of Topwater Strikes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:13
Terrible at Fishing with Michael Ruffino (Gold Country Radio, Fridays 7 p.m.) In this episode, Michael dives deep — into the lily pads! Join him as he explores the challenges and rewards of lily pad fishing, revealing wh…
Warm Water, Big Bites! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
On this lively Fourth of July weekend episode, Michael Raffino dives into why July and August are prime time for bass fishing, even when he can’t get out on the lake himself. Michael shares his love for topwater fishing,…
Loss, Laughs & Line Casts – A Bittersweet Fishing Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:20
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Terrible at Fishing, host Michael Ruffino returns after a brief hiatus with stories that span grief, celebration, and a whole lot of misadventure. Michael opens up about the emot…
The Bike, the Bass, and 700 Smiles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:24
On this heartfelt and humor-filled episode of Terrible at Fishing, host Michael Ruffino shares the joy of Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend, where over 700 children cast their first lines at Lake of the Woods in a record-set…
The Happiest Day of the Year – Free Fishing Weekend in Klamath Falls [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
On this heartwarming episode of the Terrible at Fishing Radio Show with host and local fishing expert Michael Ruffino, it’s all about Oregon’s Free Fishing Weekend—and there's no better place to enjoy it than Klamath Fal…
Stocking, Spinners & Smiles: A Free Fishing Weekend Special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:24
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…
Grounded But Still Casting: Local Fishing, Big News & Bird Fest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:19
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 fro…
Catch of the Week: Trout Tips, Stocking Secrets & Birdwatching Bonus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:32
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 lurk…
Season Kickoff & Stocking Secrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
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…