Will first fished "Big Sam" in 1970 while participating in one of Ray Scott's early B.A.S.S. tournaments being held at Hank's Creek Marina. He began guiding bass anglers part time in 1974 and has lived on Rayburn and guided full time since 1986. Will started The Fishing Schools in 1989 and continues to hold them at Stephen F. Austin State University's Piney Woods Conservation Center located near Five Fingers Bay on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.