BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- It may be too soon to leave the jacket at home come Tuesday, but nonetheless, people gearing up to go fishing are excited to get rid of their cabin fever.

"The snow's melting and just being able to get outside and get out of the house again,” said Brian Wales, Marathon resident.

"We've constantly had all this rain and ice and things like that and I'm ready to be out there in the streams,” said Ed Westermann, Endicott resident.

But before hitting the streams, it's important to follow local and state guidelines.

"The most common violation we run into as environmental conservation officers is fishing without a license. People just neglect to go and purchase their license,” said Ric Warner, Broome County Environmental Conservation Officer.

Anyone 16 and older can purchase a license for only $19. It comes with a guide book that explains the fishing rules of each body of water.

"Depending upon what they're in, the body of water that they're fishing, there may be additional regulations that are required on the certain body of water,” said Warner.

While customers are stocking up on fishing gear, it's also important to check your old equipment.

"It's important for those guys out there to check your lines and leaders and knots and make sure everything's in good working order before you hit the water,” said Chuck Sherwood, Timber Creek Sportsman Shop owner.

Stepping into a good pair of waders is something you'll definitely want to consider before you go fishing.

"It's important to have a pair that's good, something possibly with felt soles, maybe some steel studs on the soles to make sure you don't slip,” said Sherwood.

Many lakes and streams throughout the state have been stocked with fish, or will be stocked soon.

For more information, check out http://www.dec.ny.gov/