Bill Dance

William G. “Bill” Dance  It would be difficult to argue Bill Dance is the most recognized bass angler of all time. Even folks who have never made a cast recognize the friendly face under his iconic white and orange Tennessee Volunteer baseball cap — thanks to more than 2,000 airings of “Bill Dance Outdoors”, which first hit television in 1968.

However it’s critically important to understand Dance’s credibility on TV is based on one of the all-time great tournament careers, that very fittingly, includes him being credited with catching the very first bass ever in the history of B.A.S.S..

That fish ultimately began a streak of Dance winning 7 of the first 17 Bassmaster events he entered – and (3) highly respected B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year titles.

He also qualified for the Bassmaster Classic an impressive 8 of the 9 years he competed on the B.A.S.S. circuit.

No doubt, had Dance chosen to continue competing he was poised to set B.A.S.S. records that may have never been broken. Instead he chose TV – and the fishing universe is no doubt a better and more educated place because of his teachings.

His unique talent for communicating his knowledge of bass movements and seasonal behavior, along with lure selection, rod and reel selection, and a bit of biology and ecology too made Bill the favorite ‘on air fishing guide’ for millions.

But perhaps his greatest magic resided in his natural down-to-earth demeanor that made it feel as though your favorite uncle was taking you fishing while you watched from your living room.

“C’mon on here you fat-bellied rascal” was the sort of down-home statement Bill would utter to make viewers grin and feel at home, while they gained a half-hour of educational fishing entertainment.

On his side of the lens – that took way more hard work than how he made it look.

Well past age 70, and after 50 incredible years on TV, Bill and his camera crew were not only filming in freshwater, but harsher saltwater too, and a single half-hour show often required three days of filming.

In addition to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Bill Dance is also a member of the National Freshwater Hall of Fame, the IGFA Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

All phenomenal credentials, and ironic too, given the fact Dance grew up believing he would likely become a doctor like his father and grandfather. He was actually enrolled in medical school, but the sight of horrific motorcycle crash changed his mind.

All who call themselves bass anglers can be thankful for that fateful change of heart. It lead to a career than spanned more than 50 years, touched the hearts and minds of literally millions, and ultimately made Dance the most recognized face in bass fishing of all time.

Dance is the husband to longtime wife Dianne, and father to four children. He makes his home near Memphis in the suburb of Collierville, where his television production studios are also based.