James RickardBill Dance
August 20th 2007 01:34
Few names are synonymous with fishing but, Bill Dance is one of them. Growing up in Tennessee, Bill was always and avid angler and entered the professional tour back in the 60s when most people weren’t aware that there was such a thing as “professional” fishing.
After turning pro, Bill quickly established himself by placing highly or winning several of his first tournaments. Despite the success, Bill kept an eye on TV and began “Bill Dance Outdoors” in 1968 as a locally produced fishing show. From humble beginnings, the program moved to The Nashville Network before moving to the Outdoor Life Network and the cable channel’s current incarnation, Versus. (And people call “Gunsmoke” the longest running TV program!)
After retiring from the “cast for cash” circuit in 1980 at only 39 , Bill devoted himself to broadcasting in addition to several other interests. When not involved with his program that has spawned several “blooper” tapes, Bill has produced educational tapes as well as articles and columns for books, newspapers, and national magazines.
Fishing can be much more than sitting in a boat drinking beer. To this end, Bill’s humanitarian work includes Sea World, The Make a Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Arthritis Foundation
Although it may sound like Bill has accomplished quite a bit, he keeps things in perspective and says, "My success is also due to the superb efforts of many talented people that I've worked with." We can all learn a little something from his closing comment. "But I also know that it would never have come to pass if I hadn't eliminated the word "can't" from my vocabulary."
Accidents happen to the best of us.
FYI: This is no joke!
Angling Accomplishments
23 National Bass Titles
8-Time Bass Master Classic Qualifier
3-Time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year '69,'74, '77
1986 National Freshwater Hall of Fame
Other Honors
Author of 7 fishing books
Credited with popularizing the Carolina Rig
Produced over 2000 episodes of his fishing show
Member of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Spokesman for Tennessee tourism
To check out more of Bill's work go to his website.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*quotes from billdanceoutdoors.com
After turning pro, Bill quickly established himself by placing highly or winning several of his first tournaments. Despite the success, Bill kept an eye on TV and began “Bill Dance Outdoors” in 1968 as a locally produced fishing show. From humble beginnings, the program moved to The Nashville Network before moving to the Outdoor Life Network and the cable channel’s current incarnation, Versus. (And people call “Gunsmoke” the longest running TV program!)
After retiring from the “cast for cash” circuit in 1980 at only 39 , Bill devoted himself to broadcasting in addition to several other interests. When not involved with his program that has spawned several “blooper” tapes, Bill has produced educational tapes as well as articles and columns for books, newspapers, and national magazines.
Fishing can be much more than sitting in a boat drinking beer. To this end, Bill’s humanitarian work includes Sea World, The Make a Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Arthritis Foundation
Although it may sound like Bill has accomplished quite a bit, he keeps things in perspective and says, "My success is also due to the superb efforts of many talented people that I've worked with." We can all learn a little something from his closing comment. "But I also know that it would never have come to pass if I hadn't eliminated the word "can't" from my vocabulary."
Accidents happen to the best of us.
FYI: This is no joke!
Angling Accomplishments
23 National Bass Titles
8-Time Bass Master Classic Qualifier
3-Time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year '69,'74, '77
1986 National Freshwater Hall of Fame
Other Honors
Author of 7 fishing books
Credited with popularizing the Carolina Rig
Produced over 2000 episodes of his fishing show
Member of Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Spokesman for Tennessee tourism
To check out more of Bill's work go to his website.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*quotes from billdanceoutdoors.com
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