Bill Dance (television host)

Bill Dance
Born	William George Dance, Jr. (1940-10-07) October 7, 1940 (age 84)
Nationality	American
Known for	Professional fisherman, television host, author
Spouse	Dianne[1]
Children	Bill, Jr; Paul; Patrick; Pamela;
Website	http://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. "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. 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. "Bass tournament history and records for Bill Dance". billdanceoutdoors.com. Retrieved December 9, 2009.