“ The generations of the future need to be focused more on outdoor activities . I think it ’ s good for the soul .”
– Chris Champagne
pro-file : fish tales from The Preserve ’ s Chris Champagne
by Connor Raborn
It is not a fish tale to say that Chris Champagne is an accomplished participant in outdoor summer activities .
Champagne , who has worked in the golf business for more than 17 years , is the PGA head professional at The Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave , Mississippi . He is also a prolific deep sea fisher in his off-time .
“ I feel very fortunate to be able to do those things , to be successful in the golf business and have the abilities and means to fish ,” Champagne said . He has been fishing longer than he has been golfing , starting the former as a child when he freshwater fished with his dad .
It was not until he took a golf job in Florida and was near the gulf that he really began saltwater fishing . He does most of his fishing currently in south Mississippi and in the Mississippi Sound , around the barrier islands . However , he does occasionally make trips offshore with friends that have bigger boats .
“ There ’ s nothing like that blue water ,” Champagne said of his offshore fishing trips . He has traveled to Isla Mujeres , Mexico and Costa Rica , which he said are two of the more unique places he has fished because of their landscape and proximity to blue water . He added that in those areas , one can almost find blue water as easily as going out the backdoor , while those in the southern gulf coast area of the U . S . have to travel to find it , depending on where they live .
Some of his proudest catches include a 90-pound sailfish , a 75-pound white marlin , a 60-pound wahoo , a 190-pound yellowfin tuna and a 28-inch trout . His accomplishments on the golf course , however , were recognized by the PGA when he received his Class A membership in March 2007 .
“ I have the entire front of the house operations : golf shop , merchandising , food and beverage ,” Champagne said , discussing his job at The Preserve . “ We ’ re somewhat of a tourist destination in our market .”
According to Champagne , he has not fished much so far this year , and his fishing time hinges on how busy he is with golf . “ Two years ago I did a lot of offshore fishing ,” he said . “ It just depends what ’ s going on at the golf course .” He added that the course is usually closed on Mondays , which usually makes that a good day for him to plan on fishing .
Champagne has fished occasionally on the golf course , but otherwise has not had substantial opportunity to combine his fishing and golfing . However , he pointed out similarities between the two sports .
“ They both take patience for sure ,” Champagne said . “ When the fish are biting , it ’ s good , and when the putts are being sunk , it ’ s good .” He also said that what draws him to fishing is similar to what draws him to golf . “ Honestly , it ’ s kind of like an escape ; it ’ s kind of why I fell in love with golf at an early age .”
As for fishing , Champagne said that once schools go on summer break , many families are eager to get involved in outdoor activities , and that although it ’ s hot , one can cool in the water .
“ The generations of the future need to be focused more on outdoor activities ,” Champagne said . “ I think it ’ s good for the soul .”
“ The generations of the future need to be focused more on outdoor activities . I think it ’ s good for the soul .”
– Chris Champagne
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