The fishing is mourning the loss of a true giant and innovator this weekend.

Forrest Wood, largely recognized as the originator of the modern bass boat, passed away on January 24th at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife Nina and four daughters.

Born in 1932 in Flippin Arkansas, Wood recognized the need for a new kind of boat while guiding in the Ozarks. In 1968, he founded Ranger boats.

Lake Fork, Tx – Brandon Cobb already established himself as someone to watch earlier this year when he won his first Elite Series trophy on Lake Hartwell.

Holding off the field for the wire-to-wire win on his home lake was impressive enough, and announced to the world that he was here to compete.