We sit down with Bo Merckle of SamsSon Lures to discuss his unique idea for the ultimate memorializing bass fishing lure of your loved one.
THE ICON
Bill Dance is a well-known name in the world of professional fishing. With a career spanning over 50 years, Dance has become one of the most respected and successful anglers in the industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at his career and the impact he has had on the sport of fishing.
EARLY CAREER
Bill Dance was born in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in 1940. From a young age, he was interested in fishing and spent much of his free time on the water. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he studied wildlife management, but his true passion was always fishing. After graduation, Dance began working as a fisheries biologist, but he soon realized that his true calling was in the fishing industry.
Dance began competing in fishing tournaments in the late 1960s and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled angler. In 1970, he won his first B.A.S.S. tournament and went on to win three more tournaments in 1971. These early victories helped establish Dance as one of the top anglers in the country.
PRODUCT ENDORSEMENTS
Throughout his career, Dance has also been a sought-after product endorser. He has worked with a wide range of companies, including Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, and Bass Pro Shops. Dance’s name and image have become synonymous with high-quality fishing gear, and he has helped introduce countless anglers to the sport.
TELEVISION CAREER
In 1968, Dance began filming his first television show, “The Fishin’ Hole,” which aired on a local Tennessee station. The show was a hit and soon expanded to a national audience. Dance’s easygoing personality and expert fishing tips made him a fan favorite, and the show ran for over 40 years.
In addition to “The Fishin’ Hole,” Dance has also hosted several other television shows, including “Bill Dance Outdoors” and “Bill Dance Saltwater.” These shows have helped cement Dance’s reputation as a leading authority on all types of fishing.
IMPACT ON FISHING
Over the course of his career, Bill Dance has had a significant impact on the world of fishing. He has helped to popularize the sport through his television shows and endorsements, and he has inspired countless anglers to take up the hobby.
Dance’s success as a professional angler has also helped to raise the profile of the sport. He has won over 20 major tournaments and has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame.
Bill Dance Fishing Bloopers! Volume 2 1995
BILL DANCE FISHING BLOOPERS Volume 2. Bill has almost endless out takes and thank god they were caught on tape. Sit back and enjoy this episode from 1995.
Bill Dance and Bass
Crack a beer and enjoy this Bill Dance gem from 1986. One of the greatest if not THE greatest fishing and personality ever to compete in the sport.
Cheers Bill!
Bill Dance is a true icon in the world of fishing. His career has spanned over 50 years and has included numerous victories, television shows, and product endorsements. Through it all, Dance has remained a beloved figure in the fishing community, inspiring countless anglers to take up the sport and helping to raise its profile around the world. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the hobby, Bill Dance’s career is a testament to the joy and excitement that fishing can bring.