A Shout-Out for TubeDude

[gofish435]

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.

[dubob]

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.

Hats off and glasses upraised!  To the man, the myth, the legend! 

[wiperhunter2]

I couldn't agree more with everything you wrote, we are totally blessed to be on the receiving end of all his years of fishing knowledge. Thanks Pat.

[lovetofish]

I met him once on the loading ramp at Rockport but we never really fished together that day. I always enjoyed reading his reports and the files he uploaded for all to read. I've saved all of the maps and PDF files he supplied and also bought one of his CD's. I felt bad when he posted that he would no longer be able to fish in his float tube. I'm sure he misses it very much. Your right Dubob he is a legend.

[JazzyM]

My hat’s off to the most selfless fisherman I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Thank you Pat. I can’t begin to list all that you have done for me.

[bone8]

Just pats knowledge of Utah lake is mind blowing and his willingness to share that knowledge my glass is defiantly raised to tube dude

[Dave Clifton]

I always perk up when I see a new post from Tube Dude and read it knowing I’m about to learn something new about fishing Utah bodies of water! Thanks for all you do, Pat!

[TubeDude]

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.
 

[cat_man]

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.
 

Hi Pat! So sorry to hear about your wife as well as your own health challenges! This is my first time logging in here for quite some time. I second what everyone else has said so far. I learned so much over the years from you (about fishing and life!). Your generosity and love of sharing and teaching is inspiring! You inspired generations of new anglers and human beings. 

Thanks again for everything and just know there are probably hundreds you’ve blessed just on this  forum alone.

Kevin from WA

[Crimson]

I can't add a lot that hasn't already been said, but just have to say that I have really appreciated TubeDudes maps of local Utah waters. When I hear or read about a "bay" or "point" or other feature of a water that I don't recognize, I can usually refer to one of his well marked maps to find areas like Freeway bay, and the Light pole, at Willard bay for example.

Thanks TubeDude for your time and effort in producing these maps, and the many other publications you have authored over the years.

Sincerely,
Crimson

[Boatloadakids]

I gotta jump in here... I've had some very enjoyable trips with Pat fishing for catfish at UL. The first time I fished with him several years ago I wanted to learn more about the fligs he was making and how to fish them. He shared some good info with me that day and before we parted, he made sure I had a good "sample" of his fligs... would not let me pay for them. I have had good fishin' with his fligs and I now have a good supply.



As mentioned by others, Pat has always been willing to share his creations as well as his knowledge of how-to. I have saved all of his PDF files and I have several CDs that he has shared. Always a pleasure to fish with Pat. I will take one exception to comments about his sense of humor. Some of the worst jokes (groaners) I have heard came from Pat.

Thanks Pat, and I would remind you that you still owe me a trip to the Knolls, hope you have a miraculous recovery cuz I plan to hold you to that trip.

[Jmorfish]

And a definite "Hip,Hip, Hooray" from me to Pat, Mr. Tube Dude also...I enjoyed several visits with him to his 'Man Cave' of 'Piscatorial Trinkets', and of course always had to relieve him of some of those 'buried' treasures...but Pat was/is not a very good Pirate, 'cuz he always made us feel like we were robbing him instead of the other way around..thanks Pat!...And I know somewhat about how you feel about losing your 'Tube Babe', how you wanted her with you thru Christmas..My wife Loved Christmas, the decorating, dinners, family, etc...and as her disease progressed, esp. her last 2 years, I was her only caregiver..she waited..she died Christmas morning, 3 years ago..Pat, I knew I could share this with you, because I know what you went thru, and still are..You've done great for a lot of us, and we are appreciative and wish you our best..Guluk..

[ELM 71]

Pat was and still is my friend. He helped me get into float tubing years ago , and we fished together for years. he kept me in a good supply of jigs and the know how to use them. All my tubes are tricked out by Pat. Pats wife (Deloris) was just as nice and friendly as him. She always treated me with respect. She was a very was a special lady. I respect Pat very much for all he did for all of us and for hanging things up on his own terms.
I ended up with Pats tube and will think of him every time I use it.  So if you see some old fat  wobbly guy on Pats tube stop and say hi. Maybe we can share stories.
                                                ELM (Lee)

[fast_randy]

I love you Pat. TubeDude was the reason I joined Bigfish. I will always cherish my time fishing with him and the lessons I learned.

[SkunkedAgain]

The master teacher of all things fishing for sure... Good thing he's still there able to do his greatest gift, teaching us how to do better... I think the best thing Pat taught me so far was how to troll Channel cats, well maybe it was his fish chowder recipe, no his rod holder design is top notch for sure, maybe it was how to waterski behind that tiger muskie he tied into at Pineview that one October day, I could go on and on from tube designs to tackle... I've really enjoyed my friendship with Pat and hope to continue doing so for some time to come... But if he's not on the water, maybe I'll have a chance to catch a couple.... Had to join in and give you the credits you deserve Pat, we all appreciate you very much... Thank you... Jeff

[Justaguywaworm]

It's so good to hear from you.  I tried to text and call, but your phone has been disconnected. I was getting real worried.  I sure hope you're feeling better.  I was trying  to get a hold of you for some more Fligs!  That's almost all I ever use.  Call me!  801-558-6924

[SkunkedAgain]

I think Pat sold all his tackle, if not I want to get on the list for some more as well.... I think he told me that he can't see well enough to keep building the tackle... and he sold all of his jig molds... I need to figure out how to build those as well... as the fligs... Good stuff for sure, I use more of Pat's designs than commercial stuff anymore... Hope I can keep from losing what I have... Later Jeff

[TubeDude]

It's so good to hear from you.  I tried to text and call, but your phone has been disconnected. I was getting real worried.  I sure hope you're feeling better.  I was trying  to get a hold of you for some more Fligs!  That's almost all I ever use.  Call me!  801-558-6924

Hey Rob, PM sent.

Sorry but all of my flig making stuff...and made-up fligs...are now in the hands of other fliggers.  Hope you can either find some or learn to make them.  Don't know how you will be able fish Henry's without them.

[RockyRaab2]

I have read all the above and Pat's "no mas" post without replying until now. Mostly because I'm just have no words for how I feel about it all. For a writer, that's probably significant.

Pat, I'll never be on the water or make a pun without thinking of you.

[Therapist]

Pat is an amazing "DUD"  We go back almost 40 years to standing at the bubble up fishing for walleye, float tubing ( long before he began pimping his tube's), to standing on the Ice at Yuba jerking jumbo Perch.  We lost track of each other for some years when he moved to AZ and I went to OK to grad school.,  He continues to share his knowledge and expertise with everyone and anyone.  He is the "Complete Angler".  Everyone on this board is a better angler and person because of him and I count myself lucky to know him !!  Thank Pat !!

Matt Madsen