The IGFA fishing hall of fame started inducting members in 1998. The original class had 29 inducted members. According to the IGFA website, the primary criteria for induction into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame is that the individual has made a meaningful contribution to the sport of recreational angling over an extended period of time. The contribution can be made for example through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication, or administration of fishery resources. The nominee must also demonstrate that he or she has espoused the angling ethical standards stated by the founders of the IGFA. These guidelines make the individual inducted into the hall of fame quite the special person. If you go to igfa.org/fishing-hall-of-fame-1 you can take a look at the members in the hall who have met the criteria to be accepted in. Some of the names you may recognize and some you might not.
One name in particular stands out to me on list—Ted William—a class of 2000 inductee. Being a baseball fan I always took a particular interest in baseball history. Some of the stats from the past that these players put up were truly amazing. I know some critics will say they wouldn’t stand a chance in today’s game but my belief is that what they did is relevant to the time period they played in and with modern advancements, these players would stand the test of time. One player that comes up time and time again as possibly being the greatest pure hitter of all time is Ted Williams. If you look at Ted Williams stats and realize that he lost years of playing due to his service in the war, it’s unbelievable to think about what kind of numbers he could have put up. Williams was also the last player to bat over .400 for a season as well.
Ted was also an avid fisherman—fly fisherman to be exact. He was known to outcast average flycasters by over 30 feet with astounding accuracy to boot. Aside from knowing his way around a fly rod, he was also an excellent fly tyer. Maybe his eye and bat accuracy for the fastball carried over into the fishing world?
After retiring from pro ball, he divided his time between his homes on the Miramichi River, where he fished for Atlantic salmon, and in Islamorada, Florida, where he targeted tarpon and bonefish. Ironically in my last trip to the Keys, I passed by the Islamorada Fishing Club where Ted was a member years ago.
Not many years ago I learned a distant cousin of mine had some interaction with Ted while he was still alive. They were close neighbors—living only a couple of houses down the canal from each other. Of course I had my doubts but then my father handed me an old photo with said cousin, Ted Williams and his secretary at the time. The photo was autographed by The Splendid Splinter himself. Most autographed photos of Ted Williams are in a baseball uniform. I’m not sure how many are floating around with him hanging out at his Florida home next to the canal.
To this day, Ted Williams is the only person in both the IGFA and Baseball Hall of Fame. And I’d say that’s quite an achievement.
