A Champion story Better than Joe's

[Travis D]

I have been bass fishing since I could hold a rod. I caught my first 5lb bass when I was 5 on a spinnerbait. I remember it like it was yesterday.My dad sticking me in the street and handing me a Ambassuder 5000 and making me learn to throw it. He said zebco's were for girls. I believe the year was 1977 my dad had bought this little aluminum boat. It had a 5hp evenrude I think. I remember it had a bass sticker on it and cruised at about 3mph. This was the first boat I had ever been in and all I knew at the time. So I am sitting in this aluminum boat at Shawnee twin lakes in Oklahoma with an Orange contraption around my neck trying to throw my baitcaster well you get the picture. It was evening and the water was smooth we had caught a few bass when I heard something coming up the lake. It was a loud roaring sound I couldn't see it but I could sure hear it. Then here it came around the corner. There were 2 guys in it and it was flying throwing this monster rooster tail nothing but prop in the water. It was the coolest thing I had seen in my short life. I asked my dad what it was and he said " That is a Champion Bass Boat" I have been in love with Champion Boats ever since. We had a dealer in Shawnee called Carvers Marine I grew up looking at them and as soon as I could buy one I did. My first was a 89 201 second was a 98 181 now I am in a 2002 196. Champion has been a part of my life for 32 years. I have faith we are going to pull through this.

[theclap]

Dude...

This may sound strange, but it's like we had the same dad's and worse than that at the same lake at nearly the same time...(I was there around 80-84) and everything you described is why I have a ChampioN now... I grew up west of McLoud and my dad was a cop in OKC and when he'd get off work (when he was working the day shift) he'd come home and off to the lake in the 14' aluminum with a 15 horsepower Force we'd go... I had the exact same experience with the Abu vs. the girly Zebco's.

I remember sitting just on the West side of the channel that connects the two lakes (on the new lake side) and the noise started and the boat you described came by...at that point I talked about ChampioN bass boats for the next 15 years...until I bought my first, a 1990 DCR-184, I'm now in a 2008 190CX and it's all because of sitting there in that tin can watching those boats go by. I would pester the hell out of the guys in the Champ's if they happen to be at the ramp the same time we were (by the fishing dock) until I'm sure they were sick of me. Good times....hopefully they continue.

[Travis D]

Yeah! West side thats where we were too! Just south of the channel. Although in 1977 there was no channel. Small small world we live in. All because of Carver out there test driving his Champions we have these stories and own Champions. Good times Good times

[WaYoop]

Cool stories Gents

[Gunnar]

[iron banks]

A friend of mine bought a 181 in 93 or 94 I believe. We laughed at him until we took our 1st ride Champs for me ever since

[Jasonrs]

much better story! I never saw a Champion around here til later in life, but same here, once i saw one i had to have one!! I dont see Champion going away either, and for people to say they are second tier to anyone is just ridiculous......i still have people ask if my 97 202 is a new boat!

[Lea]

Love the stories, guys!!!!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!

[Charlie206]

I started bass fishing as a kid in the mid 60's when Rayburn came up, in a 14' aluminum Ouachita w/ a Super5 Wizard (Merc). No trolling motor, just pulled myself thru the treetops. Hadn't even heard of a depth finder. I bought my first boat in high school, a typical of the era bathtub model. As the years went by I fished out of a Raycraft, then moved up to a Stratos but that didn't last long, that baby went under as many waves as it went over. In 92 I ran across a 190 Champ with no engine that was in my price range and I jumped on it like Pat on Joe. Hung a 175 on it and fell in love. I'm on my fourth Champ now. If you are lucky enough that your Dad is still with you, tell him how much it means to you that he hooked you on fishing!!!!

[local16]

Great story Travis..

[Travis D]

My dad is still around and is an avid bass fisherman. He drives a Stratos 294 with a 200 yamaha hpdi. There is nothing like going out and putting it on the ole man since he taught me and now I am teaching him. He has pasted on a Legacy that will last many generations. I just can't get him to come to the Champion side. I guess he likes that feeling of being out of control in that 294. I have driven alot of boats and when I say drive I mean drive which is Keeping it from chine walking. I just can't quite tame that 294 beast he has. We have a lot of fun and that is what it is really about!!
It is not about who drives a Ranger,Champion, Skeeter it is about having fun and loving what you are doing and passing on a Legacy to future bass fishermen who will one day love to drive thier boats as much as they love to fish!