Stocking, Spinners & Smiles: A Free Fishing Weekend Special

Stocking, Spinners & Smiles: A Free Fishing Weekend Special

Author: Host: Michael Ruffino ; Producer: Michael Wood May 30, 2025 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 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


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
Careless, Crazy, or just plain Ignorant? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:16
This week Michael re-emphasizes the need to practice precautions while out on new ice. He tells of people that he saw this week who were either careless, crazy, or ignorant. Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing! What baits and…
Hanging in the Ice Hut -- First Ice Fishing Adventure of the year! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
Hard ice, trouble with errecting the shelter, beautiful green translucent floor, and the first fight and catch under the ice. Scary cracking sounds making you ponder if you should get up and run! Tips on baits and lines…
Fire Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:04
Why Michael fled California for Oregon. Prayers for those facing the fires. Arcade memories from childhood and a super cool blast from the past! Michael emphasized the need to be safe on the ice while out on the frozen w…
Ice Fishing! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:41
When is it safe to get out on the ice? How do you find out? What the heck is a spud bar? What can you catch while ice fishing? Ways to be safe out on the ice and get excited about all the fish you will catch while out on…