(05-01-2025, 01:27 AM)Mildog Wrote: Matt, Therapist , glad to hear you are doing well. I  didn’t know that was you?
Can’t add much to all the praise which is well deserved . I met and became friends with Pat over 40 years ago as well, we fished as you mentioned, from the Geneva bubble up to yuba, DC, Pelican, Strawberry, Willard “All nighters” in our float tubes ( oh some great stories there) and more. And as much of a great Angler, tackle crafter, fly tier and teacher of the art of angling that he is.
He is just an overall GREAT GUY!!! Kind of funny too!! Looks aside!

(04-27-2025, 09:11 PM)gofish435 Wrote: I thought it would be nice to recognize Tube Dude for all that he has contributed to making all of us on the Big Fish Tackle site better fishermen/fisherwomen.

Because of a number of health issues he has not been able to get out in his beloved float tube and chase after the fish and make movies but he has still been helping folks improve their fishing skills.  That could mean posting maps to fishing access points, how to make lures/jigs/fligs, or teaching various techniques for catching fish.  I still have some of his “Hot Heads” to tie flies on.  He has also shared numerous recipes and preparations’ for your catch.

He has created a boat load of documents and a DVD on all things fishing and has shared them with anyone with a desire to learn.  Pat is pioneer in float tubing and has been able to modify his tubes over the years to be able to accommodate more fishing equipment than you can fit in an SUV.

I have had the pleasure to fish with Pat on a few occasions over the years and he has always been very helpful and entertaining with his humor.  I’m sorry Pat, that you can’t join me on the water anymore but we had a good run.


Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of all things fishing with this lowly fly flinger.  I will always value our friendship and share your love of float tubing.

(04-28-2025, 02:48 PM)TubeDude Wrote: WOW!  Thanks for all the kindly comments.  Good to know that all of my blue letter drivel has not been totally ignored.  And glad I have been able to help a few folks.  As I have grown older I find that I get almost as much enjoys out of helping others catch more fish than simply catching a bunch my own self.

Some of you know my current situation.  Some don't.  I started declining in physical capacity about mid year 2024.  Totally lost vision in my left eye and my hearing got progressively worse.  Then my knees and hips started whimpering every time I walked any distance...or went through the rigors of setting up, fishing, repacking everything and then unloading at home.  About the time I was accepting reality, my wife went through an extended hospital stay and ended up with an ileostomy (colon removal) and acquired an ostomy bag. A few years earlier she had a long battle with ovarian cancer...for which she had major surgeries and two rounds of vicious chemo.  The cancer came back and she elected not to have radiation or chemo.  She was pretty weak.  The next two months were miserable for her...and for me.  Her goal was to hang on until Christmas...for the sake of her beloved grandkids.  But she didn't make it.  She passed on December 8. 

After two months of serving as primary caregiver...up and down stairs all day...I was wiped out...physically and mentally.  My daughter saved my life...literally.  She got me out of the house and moved me in with her and her husband in Saratoga Springs.  It took a while but I am much better now...although not likely to be doing any more fishing.  However, I check in on the board a couple of times a day and try to offer info and assistance when I can.

I really appreciate the ongoing communication with a few folks on the board.  And I am humbled by all of the kindly comments.  Thanks.
 

(04-28-2025, 02:48 PM)TubeDude Wrote: WOW!  Thanks for all the kindly comments.  Good to know that all of my blue letter drivel has not been totally ignored.  And glad I have been able to help a few folks.  As I have grown older I find that I get almost as much enjoys out of helping others catch more fish than simply catching a bunch my own self.

Some of you know my current situation.  Some don't.  I started declining in physical capacity about mid year 2024.  Totally lost vision in my left eye and my hearing got progressively worse.  Then my knees and hips started whimpering every time I walked any distance...or went through the rigors of setting up, fishing, repacking everything and then unloading at home.  About the time I was accepting reality, my wife went through an extended hospital stay and ended up with an ileostomy (colon removal) and acquired an ostomy bag. A few years earlier she had a long battle with ovarian cancer...for which she had major surgeries and two rounds of vicious chemo.  The cancer came back and she elected not to have radiation or chemo.  She was pretty weak.  The next two months were miserable for her...and for me.  Her goal was to hang on until Christmas...for the sake of her beloved grandkids.  But she didn't make it.  She passed on December 8. 

After two months of serving as primary caregiver...up and down stairs all day...I was wiped out...physically and mentally.  My daughter saved my life...literally.  She got me out of the house and moved me in with her and her husband in Saratoga Springs.  It took a while but I am much better now...although not likely to be doing any more fishing.  However, I check in on the board a couple of times a day and try to offer info and assistance when I can.

I really appreciate the ongoing communication with a few folks on the board.  And I am humbled by all of the kindly comments.  Thanks.
 

(04-27-2025, 09:11 PM)gofish435 Wrote: I thought it would be nice to recognize Tube Dude for all that he has contributed to making all of us on the Big Fish Tackle site better fishermen/fisherwomen.

Because of a number of health issues he has not been able to get out in his beloved float tube and chase after the fish and make movies but he has still been helping folks improve their fishing skills.  That could mean posting maps to fishing access points, how to make lures/jigs/fligs, or teaching various techniques for catching fish.  I still have some of his “Hot Heads” to tie flies on.  He has also shared numerous recipes and preparations’ for your catch.

He has created a boat load of documents and a DVD on all things fishing and has shared them with anyone with a desire to learn.  Pat is pioneer in float tubing and has been able to modify his tubes over the years to be able to accommodate more fishing equipment than you can fit in an SUV.

I have had the pleasure to fish with Pat on a few occasions over the years and he has always been very helpful and entertaining with his humor.  I’m sorry Pat, that you can’t join me on the water anymore but we had a good run.


Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of all things fishing with this lowly fly flinger.  I will always value our friendship and share your love of float tubing.









Tube Dude is truly a legend.  Thank you for you wonderful psosts and sharing your fishing adventures with the group.  

(05-07-2025, 10:50 PM)Saltslam Wrote: It's a bummer you can't fish any more tubedude, but you are the epitome of a life well lived! I asked a question of you on the forum years ago and you responded almost immediately, not knowing me from Adam. Your shared knowledge has made myself and others better fishermen and fisherwomen without a doubt. You are an excellent example of a selfless person. Thanks for all you've shared and will continue to share.