Huntsville, Ala.— For Immediate Release — Apr 4, 2025 — Whether behind the wheel of a UPS truck delivering packages or at the helm of the tournament operations team for FLW and Major League Fishing, Bill Taylor was as reliable as they come.

A longtime tournament director and bass fishing advocate, Taylor, 77, will be honored with the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Meritorious Service Award at a Hall of Fame function Saturday, April 5 in Huntsville, Ala. He will be the eighth recipient of the MSA, which recognizes individuals and organizations deemed to have made significant contributions to the sport of bass fishing.

“With the Hall’s mission being all about celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing, Bill Taylor hit all those marks during his career,” said Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Board president John Mazurkiewicz. “He was not only a successful tournament competitor, but he also became an integral part of the growth and success of FLW from its roots and later with Major League Fishing. Ask any tournament pros he interacted with over the years and their comments are nothing but glowing. His actions, fairness and problem-solving skills show exactly how important the role of a tournament director is in professional bass fishing.”

Taylor began his fishing journey as a competitor in the first Operation Bass tournament in 1980. During his tournament career, he racked up more than $500,000 in winnings and more than a dozen victories, including the 1981 Ranger Classic Championship and the 1984 Kentucky Bass Association State Championship. His competitive success and deep understanding of the sport laid the foundation for his later contributions in tournament operations.

In 1989, Taylor joined the staff of the Operation Bass Red Man Tournament Trail on a part-time basis, marking the start of a career in tournament operations that spanned five decades. When Operation Bass was rebranded as Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in 1996, Taylor was a key member of the operations team for the inaugural FLW Tour. After retiring from a 30-year career at UPS in 2000, he assumed the role of FLW Tour Tournament Director, a position he held until 2019, making him the longest-serving director in FLW/MLF history.

As Tournament Director of the FLW Tour, Taylor oversaw significant innovations that transformed professional bass fishing, including the introduction of sponsor-wrapped boats and jerseys, live-streamed tournament coverage, and a revamped pro/co-angler format. Known for always being the first at the launch ramp each morning and the last to leave each evening, Taylor’s tireless work ethic ensured the success of every event he directed.

“To say Bill Taylor has made a significant contribution to bass fishing is an understatement,” said 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Kathy Fennel, Major League Fishing’s Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Bill embodies our sport. He is an incredible angler, fierce competitor, conservationist and mentor to many. As a long-time FLW Tournament Director, he upheld the sport’s highest standards on its biggest stages, enforcing rules with unmatched integrity. As Senior Director of Operations for FLW and Major League Fishing, his attention to detail ensured that every angler, sponsor and host was well cared for. Bill was also a recruiter. He worked tirelessly to help aspiring professionals get their start in a sport he loves with all his heart. Significant is not adequate to describe his contributions. They are second to none.”

Taylor’s influence extended beyond tournaments. A passionate conservationist, he actively works to protect Kentucky Lake and testified before Congress on the impact of invasive Asian carp. His advocacy underscores his dedication to preserving natural resources for future generations.

In 2020, Taylor transitioned to Major League Fishing (MLF) as Senior Director of Operations before retiring in 2021. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Taylor has remained a source of inspiration, openly sharing his journey to raise awareness and participating in groundbreaking treatments.

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The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors and is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing. Since 2017, the Hall’s inductees and memorabilia representing the history of bass fishing have been showcased in Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo., where it has rapidly become a popular destination. Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held annually on the last Thursday in September at the White River Conference Center inside Wonders of Wildlife. For more information about the Hall, its mission, and to become a supporting member, visit www.BassFishingHOF.com, or contact BFHOF executive director Barbara Bowman at bbowman@bassfishinghof.com

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Barbara Bowman

Executive Director

bbowman@bassfishinghof.com

BassFishingHOF.com

P.O. Box 26584

Little Rock, AR 72221

501-541-6660

We are dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport of bass fishing

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