Introduction
Bill Dance is an angler and host of the television series Bill Dance Outdoors, recipient of multiple fishing awards, and member of the International Fishing Association Hall of Fame. Moreover, Dance has repeatedly won perch fishing tournaments. There is even an opinion that Bill Dance is the best perch catcher in the world. Such a claim requires proof.
Why is Bill Dance Great?
Firstly, Bill Dance is a well-known celebrity in the United States for his television program. The whole country knows him as a good fisherman and as a kind, charismatic person with an excellent sense of humor and a wide soul. He does not betray himself and his traditions, appearing every series of the program in a cap of the University of Tennessee and sunglasses. Every month, in every new issue, Bill Dance proves his skill in front of 18 million viewers (Woody, 2007). The presence of such a large audience and the captivating simplicity with which he treats his work leaves no doubt about his talent.
Self-irony is also a hallmark of Bill Dance. He uploads unsuccessful takes from his releases to YouTube and Facebook, and many viewers fell in love with Dance precisely for his sense of humor. As you know, when choosing the best person in any business, not only his skill in this business is taken into account. Otherwise, the answer to the question about the best perch catcher would be worth looking for in the Guinness Book of Records or among the statistics of numerous tournaments. It is important what kind of personality the athlete is, whether it evokes sympathy or antipathy. In the form of a good-natured guy who loves what he does, Bill Dance made the best impression on his audience. Hence, therefore, he got the chance to be called the best perch catcher of all time.
Secondly, the status of a legend Bill Dance has won among fishing fans watching him on TV and among professionals. He is credited with catching the first bass in 1967 in the All-American Tournament, which is the predecessor to the now-famous CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail (Lamb, 2005). Three Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles in 1970, 1974, and 1977 elevated him to the status of the elite athlete of this young sport. Moreover, Dance left at the height of his career and popularity in 1980. This allowed him to conclude contracts with many sponsors and go on television, and as a result, continue to do his favorite thing. In addition to being inducted into the International Fishing Association Hall of Fame, Bill Dance has won places in the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the Professional Perch Fishing Hall of Fame.
Bill Dance was at the origin of the sport and was indeed the discoverer of many awards. For example, he was the first to receive the established Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Dance did not hold first place in the biggest and most popular tournaments than some other fishermen, such as Roland Martin. Despite this, he, having won many awards, made the wise decision to slow down and not arrange a race for the title of the most titled athlete. It only once again shows that the famous fisherman is closer to ordinary people and does not suffer from star fever.
Finally, thirdly, Dance’s rich experience and charisma allowed his television series to be not only entertaining but also educational. Indeed, each show was accompanied not only by good-natured humor, advertising, and fishing but also advice, broadcast knowledge about the movement of perch and the choice of lures and fishing rods. Thanks to his television series, the fishing culture in the country has become not only more popular but also more educated (Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, 2001). It is quite possible that Bill Dance raised the current champions of tournaments because more than one generation of perch fishers has already grown up on the master’s television series. Dance never refuses help, advice, always answers letters from viewers, and invites them to share catches and achievements on its website.
Besides, Bill Dance, throughout the long history of his shows and tournaments in which he participated, released absolutely all perches, without exception, back into the water. Despite his position and rank, the nobility and concern for the fish, which gave him fame, never left him. To deserve such recognition, Bill Dance was helped, among other things, by his big heart.
Why is this Fact a Subject of Controversy?
Of course, such a famous person has more than just fans. It is often argued by many that Bill Dance is the best bass fisherman of all time. An example is often cited as either Kevin Van Damme, the most successful, wealthy, and titled athlete, or Roland Martin, nine-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year winner. Being the man who left early enough for the sport, Bill Dance isn’t the most titled champion.
In addition to this, envious people claim that Bill Dance did not catch the biggest perch either. This record is included in the Guinness Book of Records, and it belongs to Henry Liebman, an ordinary fisherman who does not participate in sports competitions. One cannot argue with this, but also, no one will call Henry Liebman the best perch fisherman of all time.
Conclusion
Bill Dance is genuinely the best bass fisherman of all time. Many people have surpassed him in the number of titles, in the weight of the most prominent perch, in the speed of catching and success in business and on television. However, none of them combined all these qualities. Often, successful athletes hide their personal lives, never reveal they are true guises. The same goes for media people whose lives are associated with television or business. On the contrary, many people got the opportunity to get to know Dance as a person and not just a person but also a person with a big heart. Bill Dance wins his general public, and the public is drawn to him.
Bill Dance was not chasing quantitative indicators of his career statistics. Bill Dance has always been chasing quality. This applies not only to his manner of catching perch. Everything that this person undertakes is talented. It does not matter if it’s designing fishing equipment or producing shows. It is also worth noting that Bill Dance is a happy man who has been married for many years and has five children. He does his favorite thing, which he does more than well. Moreover, he seeks to convey his experience to everyone, constantly teaching, sharing skills, and demanding nothing in return.
References
Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (2001).Bill Dance. Web.
Lamb, C. (2005). Greatest Angler Debate: Top 10. ESPN. Web.
Woody, L. (2007).Bill’s Biography.Bill Dance Outdoors. Web.