Lily Pads & Lunkers: Mastering the Art of Topwater Strikes

Lily Pads & Lunkers: Mastering the Art of Topwater Strikes

Author: Host: Michael Ruffino ; Producer: Michael Wood July 21, 2025 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 why this topwater technique is one of the most thrilling (and tricky) ways to catch big bass.

Michael shares his favorite baits like Toad Thumper frogs, explains why hook-up rates drop with soft bodies, and teaches how to fight your instincts when the surface explodes. He breaks down gear essentials — from heavy rods and baitcasters to the best braided lines — and gives tips for using swim baits weedlessly through thick cover. Plus, hear about top local fishing spots like Lake of the Woods and Dog Lake.

Whether you’re a weekend angler or just love the sound of a splash, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and hands-on advice to up your game. Tight lines! 🎣

Catch past episodes and fishing videos on Michael’s YouTube channel, Terrible at Fishing.

🎧 Terrible at Fishing — Fridays at 7 PM on Gold Country Radio. Don’t miss it!

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…
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…
Spring Trophy Fishing Secrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:58
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 m…