Fresh off of being inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Jackson native Alfred Williams has been presented the Mississippi Outstanding Sportsman award.
The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks unanimously voted to recognize the 76-year-old for his achievements as a promoter of fisheries and conservation, and for breaking racial barriers in bass fishing.
After returning from a tour during the Vietnam War, Williams began fishing bass tournaments, often as the only Black competitor, and securing an impressive number of wins. He then joined a local B.A.S.S. Nation bass club, made the Mississippi State team, and then won the 1983 Bassmaster Classic divisional qualifier at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Williams earned a berth in the Classic that year at the Ohio River at Cincinnati, making history as the first Black angler to ever qualify for the prestigious championship. He finished No. 10 out of 42 contenders, ranking ahead of fishing greats Hank Parker, Rick Clunn, Denny Brauer, and Rolan Martin.
His success attracted many more Black anglers to bass fishing and paved the way for Ish Monroe, Mark Daniels Jr., and others making their way onto the professional scene.
Over his long career, Williams competed in nearly 300 Bassmaster and FLW events, winning four pro-level contests and earning numerous top 10 honors. He continues to serve as a mentor and role model to other Black anglers in Mississippi and throughout the nation.
“On behalf of The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Alfred Williams for his enduring commitment to the sport of bass fishing while also contributing to conservation and preserving our state’s natural resources,” MDWFP Executive Director, Lynn Posey said.
The Mississippi Outstanding Sportsman award is awarded to an outdoors person who has contributed to the outdoors of Mississippi through conservation, mentorship, and stewardship.