A self-described “ family man ,” Williams is pictured boating with three of his grandchildren — Ethan , Akira and his second grandchild , Xavier , who now tags along with his grandpa on fishing adventures .
‘ a pioneer in our industry ’
Williams ’ success over the years has attracted more African American anglers , helping open the door for the likes of Daniels , Ish Monroe , Brian Latimer and others . But his impact and his legacy have extended throughout the entire bass world , as evidenced by the outpouring of support since the Hall of Fame announced him among its 2024 class .
Dudley Salers is a lifelong friend of Williams who ’ s competed with him for over 50 years . Salers and Williams fished the former Red Man Trail ( now known as the Phoenix Bass Fishing League ) together in the 1970s but never let their competitive nature come before their friendship .
“ I have a lot of respect for Alfred and am proud to call him my friend . He ’ s just a genuinely nice person and treats everyone with respect ,” said the 83-year-old Salers . “ He called to tell me he ’ d been nominated , and I was so happy for him . I told him it ’ s an honor just to be nominated , but when they selected him , I was thrilled . Alfred ’ s had a lot of success in his lifetime and a lot of opportunities that could have changed him , but he ’ s never let it go to his head . He ’ s just always been the same old Alfred .”
That sentiment is shared throughout the bass community . Bill Taylor , the longest-tenured tournament director in
MLF history , said he started watching Williams when he fished for Bassmaster in the ’ 70s , not realizing at the time that he was watching history in the making .
“ I watched him his first few years , then followed him on the Red Man Trail , but I didn ’ t meet him until the late ’ 80s when he was fishing the BFLs ,” Taylor said . “ I took a liking to Alfred because he was a great angler and was very well respected . His wife , Gracie , traveled with him on tour , and they were just a lovely couple . Everyone loved him .
“ Alfred inspired a lot of people throughout his lifetime and continues to inspire today . I grew up in the ’ 50s and ’ 60s and saw firsthand the racial tension throughout the country . Race was never brought up the entire time I worked with Alfred , but I admire him deeply for getting involved in professional fishing when he did , because it had to have been a challenge .”
“ If you believe in yourself , then you aren ’ t going to be dependent on anybody else to show you the way .”
Williams said after everything he ’ s experienced in his lifetime , being inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is just icing on the cake .
“ I feel very , very honored ,” he said . “ I want to thank all the people who not only supported me but believed in me . I ’ m just overwhelmed , really , to be the first African American inducted into the Hall of Fame . There can only be one ‘ first ,’ and it truly means a lot to me to be the first .”
Kathy Fennel , MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager , had only been on the bass-fishing scene for one year when the Mississippi Division of the Red Man Trail was launched in 1983 . Fennel was the tournament administrator assigned to that division and remembers Williams ’ start fondly .
“ Alfred was a fierce competitor but was such a gentleman and always extremely professional ,” Fennel said . “ From the moment we met , I was impressed by his demeanor and the way he presented himself . He was — and still is — a pioneer in our industry and a great representative for his sponsors .”
Fennel was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2022 and serves as a member of the Hall of Fame board . She ’ s excited about Williams ’ induction and feels it ’ s been a long time coming .
“ It makes me very proud to see the Hall of Fame recognize Alfred for his accomplishments ,” Fennel said . “ Beyond his ability as a competitor and his longevity in the sport , he has a unique opportunity to influence a larger audience that hasn ’ t been as engaged in professional tournament fishing , and we ’ re honored to be a part of his story .”
Williams doesn ’ t take that sentiment or the responsibility it requires lightly .
“ I ’ m just so thankful that I was able to accomplish these feats and have individuals follow me and my journey over the years ,” Williams said . “ All the Black anglers who have fished with me over the past 40-something years have thanked me for my influence and accomplishments . I feel fortunate to be the one that it happened to all those years ago .”
But success like Williams ’ doesn ’ t just happen . It comes from a lot of hard work and not being afraid to step out and take chances . It requires respect , grace and trust — all hallmarks of Williams ’ life story , a story that ’ s far from over .
“ At 77 , I still fish tournaments almost every weekend , and I would still be out on tour , but I finally decided enough ’ s enough ,” Williams said , laughing . “ I ’ ve enjoyed every minute of it . When I started fishing tournaments , I wasn ’ t thinking about trying to qualify for the Classic or where I was going to be later in life . I was just focused on fishing the tournament in front of me .”
Williams said that was the key to his longevity in the sport , but even more than that , perseverance and success in everyday life .
“ Always put yourself in a position to do well in whatever you do in life ,” Williams said . “ If you believe in yourself , then you aren ’ t going to be dependent on anybody else to show you the way .”
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2024 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 43