Bill Dance (television host)
Bill Dance | |
|---|---|
| Born | William George Dance, Jr. October 7, 1940 |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Professional fisherman, television host, author |
| Spouse | Dianne[1] |
| Children | Bill, Jr; Paul; Patrick; Pamela; |
| Website | http://www.billdanceoutdoors.com |
Bill Dance (born 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]
With fellow fishermen Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston, he formed the company Th3 Legends to sell signature products.[3]
Achievements
- 1969 Barry Hamilton World Gut Hook Champion
- Member, International Game Fish Association's Hall of Fame
- 1970, 1974, 1977: B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year.[4]
- 23 National Bass Fishing titles and 7 B.A.S.S. titles.[4]
- Caught first bass in B.A.S.S. history.[4]
- 1986: National Freshwater Hall of Fame.[1]
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Stevens, Mike (July 16, 2014). "Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin Team Up on Custom Tackle". KayakFishMag.com. Retrieved August 17, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Bass tournament history and records for Bill Dance". billdanceoutdoors.com. Retrieved December 9, 2009.