I'd like to thank everyone in making me feel old ... I was blessed with another grandbaby. Thomas Lawrence was born March 24 with a perfect set of lungs. Thomas makes my fourth grandchild.

Sarah, Mike,Trinity and baby Thomas are doing fine.

Mr. Crappie gained another fishing buddy. All my grandchildren enjoy Pa Pa taking them fishing. I encourage all parents and grandparents to take their grandchildren fishing. Create memories that will last a lifetime. I have great memories of my grandfather or my father taking me fishing. When I was a kid, I couldn't wait until summer and spend time with my grandpa fishing.

I remember my grandpa and I buying worms in the very store that Mr. Crappie Bait and Tackle now occupies. What a twist of fate. If my grandpa could see me and the store today. Memories do last forever.

We are very fortunate to live in an area that is home to a prehistoric fish.

The paddlefish, known as spoonbill, has been around since the dinosaurs. Anglers wait every year for the "spoonbill run".

Fort Gibson Dam is a popular place to snag spoonbill. Snagging is the only way to catch a spoonbill since the paddlefish only eat plankton and microscopic organisms.

Anglers have been snagging spoonbill in the 18- to 35-pound range. There are reports of several "spoons" in the 40- to 60-pound range.

Jack Jones brought in a 22-pound for his first spoonbill; 13-year old Trevor Dockery brought in a 36-pounder; John Mann snagged a 28-pounder; 9-year old Levi Colvin snagged a 28-pounder; Logan Hoover and Reagan Hoover snagged a 28- and 26-pounder.

Remember if you are planning to snag spoonbill, a 2008 paddlefish permit is required. The permit is free. All licensed dealers can issue the permit.

Anglers have reported male sandbass being caught below the dam. This means the females are not far behind. Since the water is still cold there has been a delay in the best sandbass action.

There are a few anglers catching crappie on minnows on the west side of the dam.

Fishing action should improve in the next couple of weeks.

We have experienced a large amount of rain the last few days. Tornado season is here. With that in mind, everyone needs to be aware of dangerous weather conditions. Flooding has been a hot topic lately. Do not try to cross a flooded highway or roads. It is not worth the gamble of your or others’ lives.

Please be very cautious when small children are along on fishing trips. When near the water, have proper flotation devices handy, just in case of an emergency. Always keep an eye on the children. Children can wander away quickly. Please be careful on or near the water.