Can you believe this weather? Mother Nature has us riding the weather roller coaster. The period between winter and spring will have everyone scratching their heads. The 60 to 70 degree days we experienced the past week has given anglers the perfect time to test all their fishing tackle and equipment. Many are getting ready for the real action.

Anglers have been using minnows to catch sandbass below Fort Gibson Dam. Yellow jigs have been used by others. Seems the crappie have "lock" jaw and are waiting for warmer weather. The stripers are still finding their way to the dam.

It's that time of the year for the spoonbill to make their yearly trek to the dam. Snaggers have been snagging small spoonbills. The bigger females will begin showing up in the coming weeks.

Remember, you MUST have the "FREE" Paddlefish Permit to snag spoonbill. Paddlefish Permits are offered from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department at a licensed dealer or from the Departments Web site: http://w ww.wildlifedepartment.com/paddlefish_permit.htm.

Anglers had been catching crappie in docks that are in 12 to 15 feet of water Ranger Creek, and other coves located on the east side of Fort Gibson Lake have been the best places to catch crappie. Bobby Garland baby shad lures have been the favorite lure. Other anglers have been using the pink tuffie minnows. Yes, there is a minnow that is pink in color. They are not goldfish. As mentioned before, Get ready. This looks like a great year for every angler to catch fish. As parents and grandparents we need to take the children out on a fishing trip. What better way to create memories that last forever. My fondest memories are from my own grandparents taking me fishing below Fort Gibson Dam.

Bring your catch into the store for your picture taken and put on the 2009 Mr. Crappie's Brag Board. Enjoy the warmer weather.