Sad news, but he was a great figure in fly fishing. The story I’ve heard many times is that he took an ideas for a high-performance salt water reel to Steve
Abel, but was spurned and summarily dismissed. He then met up with Ted Juracsik and the Billy Pate Special was born.
RIP Mr. Pate.
Z
The passing of an Icon in our sport. Very sad. Prayers to his family and friends.
Mr. Pates design was a wonderful piece of workmanship that I will always admire! All the best to his loved ones!
Respectfully, Dave S.
I have had a Billy Pate Bonefish reel for many years but never really knew who he was. Now I do.
Bob