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 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."
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 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."
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.
