Bill Dance (television host)

American fisherman and television host
Bill Dance
Born
William George Dance, Jr.

(1940-10-07) October 7, 1940 (age 83)
NationalityAmerican
Known forProfessional fisherman, television host, author
SpouseDianne[1]
ChildrenBill, Jr; Paul; Patrick; Pamela;
Websitehttp://www.billdanceoutdoors.com

William George Dance, Jr.; October 7, 1940) is an angler and host of Bill Dance Outdoors, a fishing television series on the Outdoor Channel, and Bill Dance Saltwater on the Sportsman Channel.

Biography

Raised in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Dance considered becoming a doctor, but changed his mind after happening upon a grisly motorcycle accident in the early 1960s. He then turned his focus to competing in bass tournaments. A fishing lure manufacturer that sponsored him suggested he should start a TV show to promote the product. The program originally began on WHBQ-TV, then the ABC affiliate in Memphis, in 1968.[2]

Dance's signature look includes sunglasses and a Tennessee Volunteers baseball cap. He received his first cap from their coach, Doug Dickey, in the late 1960s. He lives in Eads, with his wife, Dianne.[2]

Achievements

  • International Game Fish Association's Hall of Fame
  • 1970, 1974, 1977: B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year.[3]
  • 23 National Bass Fishing titles and 7 B.A.S.S. titles.[3]
  • Caught first bass in B.A.S.S. history.[3]
  • 1986: National Freshwater Hall of Fame.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "Bill Dance Outdoors - Bill Dance Fishing Illustrated". Bill Dance. June 23, 2008. Archived from the original on July 4, 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2008.
  2. ^ a b Woody, Larry (June 15, 2008). "America's Favorite Fishin' Buddy - American Profile". Publishing Group of America. Archived from the original on June 16, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c "Bass tournament history and records for Bill Dance". billdanceoutdoors.com. Retrieved December 9, 2009.