Fellas,
I have to agree with Russ on the Potholes v. Silver in April.  After having competed many times succesfully in the April Silver Lake WBC Open, I would have to argue that the weather completely takes the blue ribbon here.  I cannot recall a trip to Silver without my Alaskan survival suit, but just last year at Potholes, was in shorts, with a cool beverage, at the ramp watching the second flight weigh-in.  At Silver in April, I have had to brush off the snow, hide from the wind, and generally convince myself that I love the rain.  Sorry, this is not so much about the fishing, but those intangibles relative to one of lifes greatest pursuits.  I am not sure who stated in the string that "anybody can catch fish at Potholes", but that is perfectly fine with this angler.  I want to catch fish in April.  I can catch them in Silver, just have a better time doin' it in relative comfort.  In fact, some trivia....Name the angler who last caught a limit on Silver Lake in a WBC April Event.

Kirk
2003 Angler-of-the-Year

For many, Kirk & Russ, it's not a matter of what lake to fish, but rather, wanting to fish with the members of this club.

Agreed Potholes is better.  Heck, the first bass in the Ranger was a 3 1/2 pound smally caught in Potholes in early April.  But I enjoy being with and around the club members more than chasing the chance of cashing in a check - regardless of rain, wind, or cold.

I'm not slamming you or anybody else for going to Potholes.  Just letting ya know why I'll be at Silver, even though the fishing, weather, and accomodations are better at Potholes.  Kapeesh?

Good thing is....we can fish the opens...whichever we choose and still fish the WBC tourney the next weekend!.....We just hope to Sore Lip all the bigguns first!!

Doug,

At the potholes tourney if you don't have 15lbs the first day you might as well go fish the Silver Tournament.
Russ

Mike,
We had a blast tootin' up nice bulls....but agast they proved once again smarter than myself and my partners.  Of course after thoughts tell me that I should have put the hot pursuit on rather than try to get him completely in.  It was great, thanks for asking.  I am looking forward to next year already and fishin' has not even started yet!!!!  The bull I was after was a dandy and we had him within 60 yds three different times.  Ugh!!   At any rate, I must be honest, I do miss fishing Silver as I have enjoyed the many hours of cold, miserable weather, but mostly the times in the cabins playing poker with the old timers.  YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!  I think that the Cowlitz County Vice Squad is still interested in talking to some of you.  There is some history there, Mike.  Something about bets higher than the GNP of certain third world countries comes to mind, pink slips and land titles.  At any rate, I look forward to seeing you and Shannon again.   

Chris, All those fish came from the Streeter Canal.  It was a cruddy day and I was following Shinkle around shooting the breeze with him and just flipping tubes and lizards and got lucky.  It was 1997 as a matter of fact.  It was so funny, I landed two of those fish without Ed even knowing about it.  I miss not having him around. 
Take Care.

Kirk