Each episode focuses on various aspects of recreational fishing techniques, usually targeting black bass species, such as Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, though does occasionally focus on other species such as Channel catfish and Bluegill.
The show has featured guest appearances by celebrities such as Terry Bradshaw, Hank Williams, Jr., Mel Tillis, Jerry Reed, and many others.
The theme music used for his show is "Gone Fishin' with Bill Dance Today" by David Muir.
The show began as a local program on a Memphis, Tennessee ABC affiliate WHBQ-TV on January 5, 1968.
In 2003, the show was picked up by Outdoor Life Network (now known as NBCSN in the United States).