In Remembrance of a Legendary Guide
James Plaag said it best, when I informed him of Capt. Mike Williams' passing:
There's no doubt, there wouldn't be any tarpon guides on the upper coast if it wasn't for him.
This will undoubtedly be one of my toughest columns to pen. Sunday afternoon, I received a call from Capt. Mike Williams' family, informing me of his passing. I immediately called his son Scott and offered my condolences.
Mike was more than just a wealth of fishing information, he was a friend. I met him back in the early 1980s at a fishing show and decided to book a trip with him. After that one day of fishing, we became good friends.
He started me in the guide business in 1988, running some weekend trips with and for him. Then, he convinced me to quit my job and fish full-time beginning in 1990. Williams was instrumental in helping a few others start their businesses, too.
Williams was born May 5, 1956, in Mineral Wells, Texas and raised in Houston, graduating from Bellaire High School in 1964.
Author's summary: Remembering Capt. Mike Williams, a legendary guide and friend.