WATER GOD
3/1/2007 2:40:33 PM by Stacy Wynn
Forrest Wood is more than just a water aficionado who sits at the helm of Ranger Boats and FLW Outdoors — he’s a water legend who cares about his customers more than you could ever imagine.
Many people have contributed to the great advances in boating and fishing that have occurred in the past half-century. However, few have had as much impact as Forrest Wood. Back in 1968, Forrest and Nina Wood ran a popular fishing operation on the clear, fish-laden North Arkansas waters. All those years of guiding in all types of weather, going after many types of fish and often spending long hours on board, made Wood realize the importance of having a boat that was “comfortable, efficient and demonstrated unquestionable quality.”With this laundry list of essentials in hand, Wood began to build his dream fishing boat. This boat, which would combine “strength, integrity and commitment,” could only have one name: that of the cowboy at heart and the renowned Western heritage of the original Texas Rangers. And so, Ranger Boats was born.
As if that wasn’t enough, amongst a lifetime of notable achievements, Wood also founded FLW Outdoors, currently the world’s largest tournament organization. The FLW Outdoors roots started out in bass fishing, but in recent years has grown to include saltwater events and walleye, redfish, kingfish and striped bass tournaments. In 2007, FLW Outdoors will conduct 238 tournaments in 12 different circuits offering total awards of nearly $43 million. Plans are to continue to do what the organization does best, expand further into the saltwater market, and to be the leaders in providing tournament opportunities for the nation’s anglers.
So how does Mr. Wood unwind from his full schedule? By fishing, of course. The sport is his favorite thing to do, he says. Access to the best fishing holes is facilitated by his “few river boats.” He advises Wave readers to visit the Forrest L. Wood Outdoor Sports Gallery when in Flippin, Arkansas to see Ranger’s premier “Z” boat as well as a 1973 classic boat, a 25th anniversary model, an old 68 or 69 “R” model boat, Nina’s dad’s 1974 model plus lots of other Ranger memorabilia. “That ‘Z’ boat is the hottest thing on the water anywhere — it’s a fantastic piece of machinery,” says Wood.
Just participating in the sport of angling tends to lead to tall tales. With the life the Woods have lead, no embellishing is needed when recalling their zaniest moment on the water. “One time Nina and I were fishing on Okeechobee and she made a cast. Just as she finished, a pelican flew into her line and it wrapped around, and she landed herself a pelican and reeled it in — quickly practicing catch-and-release,” he says. “We got a big kick out of it at the time and still get a laugh or two now and then.”
When on land, Wood is the typical all-American guy, who likes hunting with friends and spending time with family on the ranch. “Whenever I see a Ranger boat being towed down the road, I get a lump in my throat because I know the owner is driving the best boat made and that he will be comfortable, safe and proud of his Ranger,” says Wood. “We always remember that our customers work hard for their money.” With a mantra like that, who wouldn’t want to invest in a Ranger?