Sondra Rankin's Blogspot
2007 Forrest Wood Cup
Sondra Rankin

Scott Suggs is a ROCKSTAR!

After recuperating from a long week at the Forrest Wood Cup down in Hot Springs, Arkansas, I'm finally able to sit down and gather my thoughts of the week’s events. I am so fortunate to say that one of my very dear friends on the tour has made fishing history by cashing a ONE Million Dollar Check, courtesy of Ranger Boats and FLW Outdoors, during his fantastic finish on Lake Ouachita. I couldn't be happier to have seen my pal cruise to victory with such an awesome lead! Congratulations once again, Suggs!

While Scott and the other boys were out sweating it away in the 500 degree weather, I, however, (not having enough points to fish the championship), was able to meet and greet fans at the Chevy Booth with all of my compadres. Most all the anglers on our Chevy Pro Team made the championship, minus yours truly, Jimmy Houston, and Kim Stricker, but no angler on the team made the final cut. Being said, we were all able to sign autographs and shoot pictures for the thousands of fans strolling through the arena. I was so excited to see such a huge turnout...in my opinion, the most spectacular turnout of any FLW Championship thus far! The fans were totally enthralled with our weigh-ins and more than eager to meet the anglers and share their fishing tales and shake hands! Our sport is seriously growing by leaps and bounds and I am SO extremely tickled that I am a part of it.

Chevrolet also, during FSN's filming of the "Best Damn Sports Show", was able to give away a fully rigged Chevy truck and loaded Ranger Z20 to a VERY appreciative fan. Irwin Jacobs of FLW Outdoors was able to surprise an extremely happy lady and her son as Scott Suggs drew the winning entry for another Ranger Z20 following the victory crowning of our champion! The young boy, who was also wearing a Ranger Tournament shirt, was literally in tears with gratification! What a tremendous year that we've had! How tremendous will these events be ten years from now? I only wish to still be a part of such a booming industry!

Charlie Evans also announced this year that our Forrest Wood Cup will be held in South Carolina on Lake Murray in '08! I'm totally focused on participating in that event. Lake Murray, hands down, my best finish so far on the tour. I placed 2nd, being beaten by one local, in '06 at the Chevy Open. I pray that I will be able to involve myself, once again, on this phenomenal fishery!

Karyn Sanchez, Wal-Mart Pro Team Co-Angler, was the only woman to compete in the cup this year. Karyn made history by being the first female ever to make the final cut at a championship. I know all we female anglers are ecstatic and support her 100% in her and all of our other female "fisherladies" in our journeys. I believe Karyn finished 9th overall! Give it up for Karyn!!

The Championship has come and gone and this year's FLW Tour has been laid to rest. Folger's Pro Scott Suggs has taken his walk down victory lane, a millionaire at that... I can't believe it's come and gone, this year has flown by, truly! Yet, I still have two tournaments left on the FLW Series. I will be fishing Lake Champlain the first week of September and sometime in October I'll be back out on Pickwick. Lovely, Pickwick...*said with sarcasm. :) Pickwick is very challenging for me... Considering last year I 'TRIPLE' Goose egg'ed. *Embarrass But of course, we are talking fishing here!!

Oh, and I have my boat for sale if anybody is interested.... Z20, '05, loaded, $33k! Just thought I'd plug that in there.... Drop me a line if you're interested!

Anyway, friends! So much love for all of you! Thank you again for all of your kind emails, comments, and support. Please keep them coming..

Make sure your lines stay wet, your hooksets are strong, and your fish be hawgs!

With love,

Sondra Rankin
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