WOW!! 2009. A new year, a new president, lower gas prices and new fishing season. Oh, fishing season. For those outdoors people who do not have a lifetime hunting or fishing license, you will have to obtain a new 2009 license to legally fish in Oklahoma. Be sure to pick up a 2009 fishing regulation booklet. Several changes have been made for the 2009 season.

For those anglers wanting to snag for the paddlefish, you will need a 2009 paddlefish permit. The permits are free, and regardless of age, everyone snagging for paddlefish is required to have in their possession a permit. Permits are available on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Web site. Again, they are free and any licensed dealer will have them.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Department has offered both anglers and hunters the option to buy a five-year hunting or fishing license at a special price. The combination hunting and fishing licenses are available. Applications can be picked up from any licensed dealer.

Anglers have reported catching crappie on the lake, around the Clear Creek area. Have heard of a few crappie being caught in Ranger Creek in 15-feet of water. Catfishing is slow.

Anglers fishing below Fort Gibson Dam are reporting the fishing as slow. Seems the birds are catching more fish than anglers. Of course, the birds do have an advantage. With the lake above normal, the Corps may run the turbines longer.

Remember, it is still winter. Let's hope the ice and snow are finished for the year. This is Oklahoma and nothing will come as a surprise. This past week, we were reminded that dangerous weather conditions exist even in the winter. Everyone needs to be aware and cautious of weather conditions, all year round.

We are in tornado alley and tornado season is just around the corner. Keep a radio near for changing weather conditions.

Now is the perfect time to check all of your fishing equipment and get ready for the 2009 fishing season. Check all the line guides. The best way to check a guide is use a nylon stocking and pull the stocking through the guides. If the stockings snag or hangs on the guide, replace the guide. It could be broken, and a hairline crack will ruin new line. Check the rod tip and replace if cracked or broken.

The fishing reel is the main component anglers use to catch fish. With proper maintenance, the reel should last many years and provide anglers with years of fishing fun. Don't be afraid to oil the reel. A lightweight machine oil applied to the working parts is needed to keep the reel working properly. Cleaning or having the reel cleaned every year is recommended to keep dirt, sand or any other foreign objects from destroying reel parts. Don't be afraid to change the fishing line. Old fishing line can and will cause the "big" one to get away.

Please, get outdoors and try your new fishing equipment. Check your tackle and start planning your summer fishing trips. Warmer weather and better fishing conditions are weeks ahead. This article will appear every two weeks until anglers report better fishing.