A
fisherman
everyone
seems to know,
and one who
puts a smile
on your face
the moment
you talk to
him, Obedie
Williams has
become a true
ambassador
for the fishing
community.
He grew up
chasing catfish
and stripers on
the Delta with
his dad, but it was his close friend Jamond Andrews who
introduced him to bass fishing and helped spark the passion
that now defines him. Since then, Obedie has become a
familiar and respected name in both boating and kayak
events, known for both his results and his upbeat attitude.
He calls 2025 his best season yet, even though it started with a setback that would have broken many anglers. During the first Yak-A-Bass tournament of the year, he flipped his kayak in the current and lost nearly all of his gear. But Obedie never fishes without a smile or a backup plan. With one surviving buzzbait rod, fresh gear rushed in by his wife, and his trademark determination, he mounted a comeback that ended on the podium. It set the tone for a season defined by resilience and big moments.
From there, Obedie put together the kind of year most kayak anglers dream about. Multiple top finishes, repeated big-fish honors, and standout performances across the Delta and Clear Lake showed how dialed in he was. The pinnacle came with a win at the Bassmaster Kayak Qualifier, earning him a coveted spot at the Bassmaster Kayak Classic in Tennessee. That victory, built on confidence and execution, became the defining highlight of a breakthrough season.
He kept the momentum rolling with strong results in both kayak and boat tournaments, including a 24-pound bag during a midweek derby. Through all of it, Obedie showcased what makes him so respected: positivity, grit, and the ability to rise under pressure.
Looking ahead, he says his approach remains simple. He jokes around, he has fun, but he always shows up to compete. As he looks toward next season, he says the goal is straightforward: win every tournament he enters. And if 2025 proved anything, it’s that Obedie Williams is capable of winning anytime he hits the water.
Here Obedie answers five questions for us on bass catching at his home water, the Dirty D, in the coldest months of the year.
WB: At the Delta during the wintertime, what do you key on to catch fish?
Williams: Definitely baitfish. When you find the bait, the stripers and bass are there feeding heavy.
WB: Which lures do you use during the wintertime around the bait you found?
Williams: A-rig, Rat-L-Trap, dropshot, punch rod, and a white double buzzbait. The punch rod will catch the right one but may not get many bites. Anything in shad color, I will throw in the wintertime.
WB: Once the water temperature gets in the 40s, what do you look for as structure and current?
Williams: Current breaks are going to
®
Winter 2026
page 59