can't help you on the license but you can buy them at walmarts in Marshall after 8am or online with a credit card anytime. Water temp is probably up to 60 by now possibly higher. Water will be muddy as you cross the bridge should clear up a little as you approach the dam end of the lake. Shallow water should be the best in the late morning ,afternoon. start deeper in the early morning. Jigbite was going earlier this last week black/blue as well as sweet beavers in pumpkin pegged with as little weight as you can toss . Try the long point on your left down by the dam in the afternoon as the sun warms that bank a little. There is a lot of weeds there I wanted to try a fluke or sluggo but stuck with a spinnerbait like a fool. Make sure you are legal as well, as the boat. Bring money the place is getting way too high to just back a boat in....hope this helps, Joe