First FLW win for longtime Ranger pro
FLIPPIN, Ark. – Ranger Boats Pro Tom Monsoor weighed a total of 66 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the FLW Tour event on the Potomac River on June 18. The win is the first FLW Tour victory for the longtime Ranger pro since he began fishing the tour in 2004. For his efforts, Monsoor won a total of $100,400 in winnings.
After many last-day losses and near wins over his professional career, Monsoor feels his win has been a long time coming.
"It's amazing, simply amazing," said Monsoor. "He said I needed 14 something and when he said 15, I couldn't believe it. I have lost by one ounce before. I have been in first so many times on the third day and not won that I couldn't believe it when it happened."
The angler weighed 19 pounds, 6 ounces, on day one and took the lead on day two with a limit of 16 pounds, 14 ounces. Monsoor never let up and brought in 15 pounds, 5 ounces, on day three, leaving the angler with a small lead of 2 ounces over Brandon McMillan. Although day four brought high winds and rough waters, Monsoor knew his Ranger boat would be get him to his spots safely.
"It's nice to have confidence in your boat," said Monsoor. "The amount of foam flotation in a Ranger, for instance, gives me tremendous peace of mind. And I know because I have fished in some rough conditions and there's no boat I'd rather be in."
After catching a small limit on the main river, Monsoor decided to make the 10-mile run through rough waters to a spot protected from the wind. Once again, the angler relied on Ranger's legendary ride to get back to his big-fish area.
"They are the smoothest riding boat there is," said Monsoor. "I'm not just saying this. It's the truth. You can buy a Chevy or a Cadillac; Ranger is the Cadillac."
The angler fished for an hour and a half without a bite but culled up with back-to-back casts after another shift in location.
"I had one little area about 75 yards around where I did get bit most of the time," said Monsoor. "It was like a spot on a spot. As soon as I got there; two casts, two good fish."
Monsoor was able to cull up one more time before calling it a day and heading back to the weigh in. Starting the final day with just a two-ounce lead did not give the angler great confidence that his limit would hold up.
"I didn't think I was going to win but I did know I was going to do well," Monsoor said.
Brandon McMillan started the final day 2 ounces behind Monsoor but only managed 11 pounds, 11 ounces. Monsoor's 15 pounds, 2 ounces, was enough to beat eventual second-place finisher Chad Warren.
Each fish weighed by Monsoor during the four-day event came on a Gary Yamamoto Flappin' Hog.
About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, with acclaimed models and series in the bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, saltwater, waterfowl utility and pontoon boat segments. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com, RangerAluminum.com or RangerPontoons.com.
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