Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

David Wagensomer (aka MadWags) passed away this morning from an apparent heart attack.

I just got off the phone with his nephew and fishing partner Jason.

He was 48 years old and one of THE nicest people I have met. An outstanding fisherman, competitor and human being.

I am certain that any details will be posted here.

RIP MadWags!

Mini

I never had the chance to meet him in person.  And only interacted with him on this website.  My heart sunk when I read this post. He seemed like a good guy that was always positive, and would of made a great friend.  My condolences to his friends and family.

Kris Hurley

I can't believe it ... he was an awesome guy.  We fished one of the west side GLB opens together .. we had a blast.  My best wishes go out to his family.  We will miss you!

Dave will be missed greatly by all. He was a great person and friend to all. My prayers go out to his family.

RIP Dave. You were an awesome person.

1jav

What can you say about sad news like this. I met Wags at a DK Open and what everyone is saying about him being a super guy is certainly true. My condolences to the family, and they will be in my prayers tonight. In honor of Wags, I think I'll have carp cakes for lunch. We'll miss you Wags!

A truly awesome person, human being, and just all around good people!
I am going to miss you Waggy, more then I can express in these words.
All those times on the road together, sharing a room, laughing, and working shows....
Ahhhhhh those were the days... AM GOING TO MISS YOU WAGGY :(
My thoughts and prayers, go out to Lisa and the kids. If you never got a chance
to meet Waggy, you truly missed someone special. His personality, sense of humor, and
just all around persona, I can honestly say he was one of a kind, and will be missed tremendously!
When I received the call this morning, and hung up, I had tear balls wadding up in my eyes, that is
how special of a person Waggy was. We just talked last week about my annual trip up to LSC in second week of May,
to go and hammer those toads of Smallies you guys are spoiled fishing for all the time.
All I can say is God bless Waggy and his entire extended family!
Lisa if you read this, I will try and call you later tonight, if you need anything please let me know.

P.S. Jay when you read this, please call me as soon as you have a minute.

Brian from Chicago, fellow Grandt Rod Pro Staff, and Friend of Waggs...... God Bless!
847.980.7748

Wow, that hit like a ton of bricks.  He will always be remembered; thoughts and prayers are being sent out to his family.

 RIP MadWags. Saying prayer for the family.

This is such a shock. All happened first thing this morning.

I've asked Jason to take care of his real family first and then if and when he can to let me know details that I can share on here with everyone.

David had always asked to have his ashes spread over Lake St. Clair, but Jason said he never thought he would actually be contemplating it any time soon. They were just talking about being excited to go fish the 3 days of the NBAA championship.

Words cannot describe the shock of something like this. David was one of the nicest, most kind-hearted persons I've ever known who always let you know how he felt about you and about things. He was so very supportive of his family and friends. Someone you could count on always.

(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/images/090516sdkopen008.jpg)
MadWags at the 2009 spring DK Open when he made me go out fishing with him. I wasn't feeling that good that morning but he would have none of it. We had big fun, as always.

David MadWags Wagensomer was the DK Open champion:
2008 Spring Lake St. Clair
(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/images/080503SDKOpen006.jpg)
MadWags (L) with me and Briboy on the R

2008 Fall Hardy Dam Pond
(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/images/081004dkopef08-6.jpg)
MadWags caught all the bass on Hardy Dam Pond for this one when I was fortunate again to fish with him.

Dave almost always had that infectious smile on his face. Comes natural to people like him. Man. I'll miss him.

very tragic news. sincerest condolences to Jay and the rest of the family.

This place will not be the same without you wags.

I'm totally numb right now .... and lost for words. Dave is a good friend.  We were to fish down in KY in a month ....

I can't say how sorry I am to hear the news.  The world lost a great one this morning.  Justin is right, this place won't be the same.  My heart goes out to his close friends and family.  I lost a great friend almost 2 years ago now and this blessing is one of his favorites and one of mine.

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

My deepest sympathies.

Cy

....... With heavy heart I must pass this along. Madwags was a good person and the purist of fisherman. He was the best partner I have ever competed with.

:'(      :'(    ..... great stories later ...... Jay and Lisa - I am soooooo sorry for you right now. Im praying for him and for you and your family right now...... numb and speechless

Mike Schoemann

Pictures from Mojo - who was fortunate to fish quite a bit with MadWags:

(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/images/mojo-dave-wagensomer-drums-3.jpg)
Anyone who didn't know, Dave loved music and played often with his band.

(http://www.greatlakesbass.com/images/mojo-dave-wagensomer-lake-st-clair-smallmouth-bass-4.jpg)
Everyone probably knows that Dave loved Lake St. Clair. Here's another big smallmouth bass from his favorite fishing lake!

Shocking...We just hung out a few weeks ago.  Dave will be missed.  RIP Wags...

This is so sad, I woke up this morning to find out my dog duece has tumors all over his body and only has a few days left then get on glb and see that madwags has passed. I hung out with Dave a couple times and he was one cool dude. As said before this site wont be the same without him, Madwags was GLB. He will be sorely missed RIP Wags...

I can't even express how sad I was to get this news.  At first, I could not believe it.  Wags, you will be missed.  We will be praying.  Let's fish the DK in Wags' honor this year.  So sad.

rip David, i'm going to miss ya

Quote from: Revtro on March 08, 2011, 02:37:59 PM
I can't even express how sad I was to get this news.  At first, I could not believe it.  Wags, you will be missed.  We will be praying.  Let's fish the DK in Wags' honor this year.  So sad.

Herman 1jav has suggested we rename the tournament in his honor and I think that is a great idea. I would like to make it permanent in memory of Dave MadWags Wagensomer. That's what I'm thinking right now anyway. Maybe the MadWags Open Members Tournaments?

Quote from: djkimmel on March 08, 2011, 03:05:30 PM

Quote from: Revtro on March 08, 2011, 02:37:59 PM
I can't even express how sad I was to get this news.  At first, I could not believe it.  Wags, you will be missed.  We will be praying.  Let's fish the DK in Wags' honor this year.  So sad.

Herman 1jav has suggested we rename the tournament in his honor and I think that is a great idea. I would like to make it permanent in memory of Dave MadWags Wagensomer. That's what I'm thinking right now anyway. Maybe the MadWags Open Members Tournaments?

i'll second that, i still don't want to belive it

Wow - this is awful news. No one should leave so young. I bought a rod from Wags last year and met him in person at Mojo's house but didn't get to know him like the rest of you. Prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Quote from: djkimmel on March 08, 2011, 03:05:30 PM

Quote from: Revtro on March 08, 2011, 02:37:59 PM
I can't even express how sad I was to get this news.  At first, I could not believe it.  Wags, you will be missed.  We will be praying.  Let's fish the DK in Wags' honor this year.  So sad.

Herman 1jav has suggested we rename the tournament in his honor and I think that is a great idea. I would like to make it permanent in memory of Dave MadWags Wagensomer. That's what I'm thinking right now anyway. Maybe the MadWags Open Members Tournaments?

I think that is a great idea Dan.  The MadWags Memorial Members Tournament?

That's what I meant. Thinking is a little more unclear than normal on this sad day. The extra 's' was because I think it should be a permanent change for all tournaments, not just the next St. Clair event.

Unbelievable.  I was lucky enough to have met Wags 4 times or so.  I got a kick out of his humor, both in person and here on the site.  He helped me pick out my first Grandt at the Novi fishing show 2010.  He will definitely be missed.  My deepest sympathy to his family.  Terrible, terrible loss.

I am so glad i got a hold of the right people.  Jason called me this morning and I was on the phone with Mini, Jim Grandt, Save Phace ppl, and others.  I posted on facebook, and just the number of support that is coming out is so awesome.  I first met Dave through Save Phace and then we caught up camping together at Muskegon.  Dave and Jason are just awesome to be around.  Will miss Dave at the classic and the St Claire Open.

Steve

I will keep track of these suggestions and once I get more information from the family, we can go from there.

Hey Dan keep me posted, my number is on the 1st page of this thread. If you talk to Jay, have him call me as well. I am going to try and call Lisa later, but I can imagine things are a mess right now... Please keep me abreast to whats happening!

Great syuff with the tourney names, and donations too... Waggy would have been so very humbled by all of this....... SO VERY HUMBLED !!!!

Thanks,

Brian

This is shocking. RIP Dave.

Very sad news, my prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

Quote from: Briboy on March 08, 2011, 04:53:26 PM
Hey Dan keep me posted, my number is on the 1st page of this thread. If you talk to Jay, have him call me as well. I am going to try and call Lisa later, but I can imagine things are a mess right now... Please keep me abreast to whats happening!

Great syuff with the tourney names, and donations too... Waggy would have been so very humbled by all of this....... SO VERY HUMBLED !!!!

Thanks,

Brian

I will send a note to Jason with your number. I did forward this link to him earlier but just from my brief talk with him earlier, things are very, very tough right now as the rest of us can imagine. It helps to see all the kind words and suggestions here for the rest our community.

So sorry to hear , prayers to all will be missed Im still in shock over this. jay

I'm still too shocked to really post anything... we've all lost a truly good man, friend, and comedian. If there was a man that loved his family, life, friends, and the God given outdoors, it was Wags. Can't say a day on LSC will ever go by without looking up to say "Hey" to ya Dave... RIP.

 I'm in shock also,Mojo told me the sad news a couple of hours ago.I was just on a post the other day that he was on,and I've been on many others that we were both responding to.I met him only once personally,and you could tell that he loved LSC and it's smallies.I'm going to really miss reading his posts on here,and his funny banterings with Mojo and others.My prayers and thoughts go out to his family,he will be greatly missed.

Hey guys (Esp Kimmel) PLEASE keep me informed about any and all details so I can pass them along. Especially any tournaments or donations in his name. I don't get here that much but I do know that Dave loved this place and considered y'all brothers.

I am sorry to have broken the bad news to y'all, but I knew once I confirmed by talking to Jason that it was not my eyes fooling me on Facebook reading Steve Miller's status. It just doesn't seem real....

Opening day on St Clair will not be the same (or any other tournament) with out MadWags there.

Jason you know if you need ANYTHING just call. Please pass that along to his wife.

RIP Dave.

RIP Dave.  This is shocking.  Prayers are on their way...

Vic

RIP Dave.. Prayers sent..

I did not know Wags but have read lots of his posts, my heart goes out to his family and members of this site, I liked his sense of humor and he will be missed, RIP  Madwags

I didn't have the opportunity to personally meet Dave, but feel like I did from reading all his posts. My deepest condolences to his family and friends, you are in my prayers. RIP Dave

I did not know Wags but loved his posts, my prayers go out to his family.  He will be missed, RIP  Madwags

Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts and kind words.
Dave was my Uncle, my best man in my wedding, my brother, my mentor, my fishing partner and my best friend.  He taught me everything I know about fishing.  I have fished with Dave since I was 10 years old. Both freshwater and saltwater.  I don't know what I will do without him.  He is survived by his wife Liza, daughter Sara and son Evan.  As soon as I find out what the arrangements are I will tell Dan.  Again, my family thanks you all for your prayers and support. 

Wow, just wow. I really don't know what to say. When I saw this on the Facebook page, I really wasn't sure that I was seeing this.

Dave was one of those people that I always looked forward to seeing at the tournaments. I knew that he would say something funny, and I would go away with a smile. Never failed.

I will miss that. I will surely miss him.

R.I.P. my friend.

Prayers and condolences to his family.

  Oh my goodness. I couldn't believe what I was reading.  I didn't know Dave as well as many of you but he seemed like a great guy.  I did get a chance to meet him a couple times at the DK Opens.  I had hoped to fish St Clair some day with him.  Gone too soon, he will be greatly missed.  RIP Dave

I was as shocked as everyone else when I read this. It's just hard to believe.I only met him a handful of times but noticed he talked to everyone like he had known them his whole life, even if they just met.  RIP Dave.

Willie

I have had all day to chew on this and i still dont really want to believe it.  Wags was the best.  He was one of those guys who could make anyone smile.  I had never heard him say an ill word about anyone and likewise, had never heard anyone say an ill word about him.  My thoughts and prayers go to him, his family and friends, and everyone who had ever had the pleasure of making his acquaintance.  Dave was one of the good guys and will be remembered forever.

When my grandfather was on his death bed a few monthes back, the whole family gathered at his home to say our goodbyes.  After we each spent a little time with him, we gathered in there front yard in a large circle, sitting in lawn chairs, on skatebords, on paint buckets, and passed around a bottle of Jack.  One by one my family shared what he meant to us, individually.  And afterwards, took a swig of bourbon and passed the bottle on to the next family member.  By the time, the circle was complete, and the bottle almost empty, we had a sense of ease and comfort.  No doubt partly from the bourbon, but also in sharing his memories with each other, whether it be a story, an opinion, repeating words he had spoken, or just a memory that we had tucked away for years.  Each of us spoke in his honor and helped each other understand just how special he was to all of us.

If it is ok, i would like to share a piece of what Wags was to me.  

Working the outdoors shows as i have done for the past 7 or 8 years, i really got to know him pretty good.  He was the guy, amidst all the chaos that these events bring, that I would always look forward to seeing.  I could see him down an isle, making the rounds, and i couldnt wait for him to get to where i was so i could shake his hand and hear what he had to say.  It was always something funny.  When he was there, he made the shows better to be at.  And him knowing me from the shows, would always make an early stop to my booth on Saturday and Sunday mornings, silver flask in hand, offering me a nip of "the good stuff" to set me straight for the day.  He was a friend.  Just taking the time to consider me was enough to prove that.  That was our thing, and I will never forget it.

McCarter himself :-\'

RIP Madwags,

May I send my sincerest condolences to everyone in this sad time  :'( 

A life taken far too soon. 

I may have only known you via GLB for a few posts but you made them all count.  Gods Speed Sir.

Colin

I found out late in the day and just got home to read everything that has been posted. I can hardly type. He was my hero. I honestly dont know what to say. Yhanks to a couple friends who let me know.

Our Dear Wags, Senior Pro Staffer of The Big Dog Fishing Team. With the most sincere condolences to Liza, Jason, and the complete Wagensomer family our deepest sympathy in the loss of Wags. From Wag's smile, to his sense of humor to all we have been given...something special to call Wags our Dear Friend and Associate, the ultimate Pro Staffer, and example of dedication and true belief and care. Many hours of devotion to his love of fishing and friends, was extremely special and never forgotten. Wags, you will always have a special spot in the heart of the Grandt Rods Big Dog Fishing team. Until we meet again Wags, 3 Magical Olives on a stick and one in the hole. From Grandt Rods, Big Dog, Jacqueline and The Russman we love you dearly, Wags.  Thanks for the GREAT TIMES, the unique and truly WAGS rendition of the "Grandt Rods" show tour song that will always play GOLD in our hears and souls, ...Rest my Brother, Rest in peace and joy...and see you in Paradise.

R.I.P David

David had been my boater for the Big 10 Classic Championship the last 2 years on Lake St. Clair and I can safely say that he made those 2 tournaments the best that I have ever fished. I don't think anyone else would sit an entire day in 30 degree weather, 20 mile an hour winds and 3-4 foot waves while WATCHING two college kids fish out of their boat with a smile on their face. His excitement for anything fishing related was extremely contagious and I will never be able to thank him enough for all of the help that he gave us the past 2 years. I will never forget everything that David took the time to teach me, the patience that he had and above all, his competitive spirit. I am extremely sad that I never had the time to get back up to LSC to go fun fishing with him. I know that I speak for the rest of my club when I say that he will be greatly missed. I really don't know what else to say, just found out a few hours ago and I'm still speechless.

If anyone is planning a memorial tournament/charity event for David and his family, please keep me informed. I am President of the University of Illinois Bass Club and we definitely want to be involved in anything that is going to be held in David's memory. If anyone wants to send me a message my email is m.sells21@gmail.com, I am more than willing to get involved in any of these events and I can work with the other Big 10 Presidents to get them involved as well.

Again R.I.P. David, not only will you be remembered as a great fisherman but you will be remembered as an all around great guy as well.

I did not know him that well but his posts and humor used to make me laugh.  I am sure he will be drinking a beverage and fishing with my brother in heaven.   They were a lot alike.

RIP

Wow,This comes as a shocker. I'm so used to seeing him around here. He's gonna be missed.  :'(

I was just totally shocked to read that. I fished with him in a BFL once. He was a great guy and I caught one of my biggest sacks ever. RIP  Dave

I really liked what McCarter had to say.  Maybe we should start a "What's your fondest memory or Wags?" post...starting with Brian's.  Good stuff.  I'm sure we have lots of great stories out there.

Quote from: Revtro on March 09, 2011, 03:56:42 PM
I really liked what McCarter had to say.  Maybe we should start a "What's your fondest memory or Wags?" post...starting with Brian's.  Good stuff.  I'm sure we have lots of great stories out there.

In due time Im sure we will share. As most know, Dave and I won a 2011  regional spot this year in NBAA. Along with Jason, Wags (like most things he put his mind to) was set up to fish each of the 3 days in the NBAA regional.  I cant bring myself now to write some of those very special moments we shared on the water and after, but I look forward to sharing later........

Dan - thanks for having this available, even now, It makes me feel a little closer seeing his name whenever I scoll around. Thanks.  

Wow.  I have been reading everything that I have missed since I posted last night.  I got goosebumps when I got to Dan's post that has Wags's pic and signature on it.  He is still logged on to the site.  Guess that means he hears all the great memories everyone here at GLB has of him. 

Per his nephew (and practically twin) Jason (Jay-MadWags) I have heard that Dave's wife Liza was on here reading what everyone has wrote and it appears that she was touched by how many of you were his friend, liked him and posted things about Dave.

I am very sorry to hear this...I really enjoyed the few times that I got to meet Dave and talk fishing with him....
My best to the Family and all involved...

I truly felt a bond with Wags. He was a kindred spirit. In my blog today I posted this poem as a tribute.

Farewell My Friend

"It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
save the pain I'll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care...
And the strings pulling at the heart and soul...
The strong arms that held me up
When my own strength let me down.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
Friends who stood by me,
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell my friends
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears for I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad do think of me
for that's what I'll like,
when you live in the hearts
of those you love, remembered then
you never die."

Rabindranath Tagore.

So sorry to see the loss of a fellow fisherman... deepest sympathy goes out to his friends and family. Pray that God be with his family, know what it is like to loose someone dear.

I only had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Dave a handful of times.  But every time we talked, it was like we had known each other for years and years.  Dave had the most unique sense of humor that I had ever encountered.  He could laugh and joke about anything.  He never seemed to get upset about anything and when he was around...............you knew he was around.  That unique sense of humor, the laugh, the smile were all things that were unique to this man.  He had a passion for life like something I have never seen.  I know we on the board will all miss him.  I remember in the last few months how he took a week off from GLB for about 5 minutes.  It was one of the funniest things I had ever read and almost wet myself because I was laughing so hard.  When I think of him, I will smile and know that he loved life more than anyone I have ever known.  

One of the most unique things was how he supported my son in his soccer just by posting a "Good Luck" to Alec.  He always loved to check out my Facebook wall for the results of Alec's games.  If I didn't post anything, he would email me and ask how Alec did.  He would watch the soccer videos I would post on Facebook and would tell me that he really believed that he thought Alec would become a soccer pro somewhere in the world.  He never came to watch Alec play in person, but when I told him he would be playing out in St. Clair Shores a couple of times this coming spring, he wanted to know what day, what time, and where.  Alec is playing in the National Indoor Tournament this weekend with the Waza Boys Blue U11 Team in Canton Michigan and wants to dedicate this weekend and the next weekend in Cincinnati for a soccer tournament with his U10 team at Waza to Dave "MadWags".  Alec told me that all the goals he scores in the next two tourneys are for him.  Alec never met Wags, but would always ask if my friend Wags had contacted me about how he played.  I told Alec that Wags never missed a chance to see how he played and enjoyed the videos on my Facebook page.  Aside from me, I would say Wags was Alec's biggest fan.

I know your spirit will be watching Alec this weekend and next Wags.  Please be his guardian angel Wags and help Alec lead both his Waza teams to victory.  You weren't just a fishing brother to me and Alec Wags.  You were our friend.  R.I.P. MadWags.  Prayers sent from my family to yours.      :'(      :'(      :'(


Usually I sign my posts with "BD" and a ";D".  But today it will be..........................




BD                           :'(

Beautiful

(Copied text message sent to Dave Mar 8 2:44 pm. He was gone, but his phone still received calls)Dear Dave, We've talked on tx so much I guess its just habit to send ya one now.

Bro - you were really good to me. And I'll never forget that. Every time we met, from the first DK open together when you pulled out an orange worm and threw it in the reeds, it was like two 11 yrs olds.

( "What color is that ?" I asked. "Heck Mike - Thats Meth-I-O-lade", he says. Not just that he said it, but how he said it - dead serious - and we both just started crackin up  ;D ...)

Seems once a man accomplishes most of his dreams, they revert back to certain years in their life when they were happiest. Maybe thats why we both got accused of being big kids.

But you taught me alot. You taught me to 'respect the fish' and that 5 in the box is not a given but a blessing, and culling is when we could get giddy. ........ and we did. You showed me how to be layed back in a fairly intense sport, we laughed when we missed fish when many partners would turn on each other. We were 11 again when we'd get together, racin slot cars, hanging rattle traps in my living room to see if Sheri would notice and doin shots when we weren't supposed to. We tossed reality away on blast off and for the next 3 hours we were like two boys playing their favorite video game, hootin and hiding in the canals when we got early blast off numbers cause everyone else was going to blow by us and see where we were clowning the fish. All I know is we didnt live in reality, no, we lived the dream.

I wish you to be in a good place, and I wish the pain your family will endure be softened by these words. And sometimes I even wish I'd met you back when we were kids...

then again Wags.... maybe I did.

This is what I had posted on face book the morning Jason got a hold of me.  Wanted to print more, but would not allow me to. I just know some of you saw it there first.  He truely made your day when you talked with him.

"A good friend of mine just passed away this morning from a heart attack. He was only 48yrs old. Sometimes at the age that we are now, we truely need to sit and wonder. Did we make an impression on someone in our lives? Did we do right by others? Did we have a good life, even though it might get cut short? God Bless David Wagensomer!! He left an impression on me."

As it seems he did for all he met.

RIP Dave.  Prayers going out to the family.

Sad to hear.had the pleasure of meeting him and hanging out up at burt mullet a few years back glad i had the oportunity.u will b missed by all

 My hart go's out to Dave's family and friends. Rest-in-peace may god greet you with open arms. You will be with me. on my first day out this year. God Bless.

Quote from: UAWBigDog on March 09, 2011, 10:56:05 PM
 Alec is playing in the National Indoor Tournament this weekend with the Waza Boys Blue U11 Team in Canton Michigan and wants to dedicate this weekend and the next weekend in Cincinnati for a soccer tournament with his U10 team at Waza to Dave "MadWags".  Alec told me that all the goals he scores in the next two tourneys are for him.  Alec never met Wags, but would always ask if my friend Wags had contacted me about how he played.  I told Alec that Wags never missed a chance to see how he played and enjoyed the videos on my Facebook page.  Aside from me, I would say Wags was Alec's biggest fan.


BD                           :'(

Well here are some results for Alec's dedication to Wags.  The Boys couldn't get it done at the National Indoor but did make a good showing.  Even though Alec didn't get any goals, he was disappointed that he couldn't get that one done for the memory of MadWags.  But last week in Cincinnati, the Waza Boys Blue 00 lead by Alec came out like gangbusters.  The boys won the tournament.  Alec for the tournament had 9 goals including a hat trick in the 2nd Round Game and at least 14 assists.  The boys brought home to Michigan the TSFA (Tri-State Futbol Alliance) United Cup U10 Gold Division Championship dedicated to David Wagonsomer by the Team Captain and my son Alec. Way to go Alec, I know Wags is smiling at you and your team mates from the heavens.


BD                                ;D