Ranger 622 FS Pro Review

The new Ranger 622 FS Pro is a multi-species fishing boat that offers fantastic fit and finish and comes loaded with a laundry list of impressive features.

For years the name Ranger has been linked with the highest quality fiberglass bass boats in the world. Subsequently expanding into big-water multi-species boats and saltwater rigs, the company has gone on to dominate those markets too on the strength of its innovative designs, thoughtful engineering and over-the-top quality.

The current top dog in Ranger’s multi-species lineup is its Ranger 622 FS Pro, a remarkably well-engineered and well-made boat that sets an entirely new standard for fishing boat performance. There’s way more to this boat than can be detailed in a single review, as even an overview of the highlights reveals.

Storage space on the big Ranger is in a class of its own, with a huge gear locker along each side of the front deck. Aft of it is an insulated bait well that can double as a cooler. Gas rams support the lids so you can use both hands to stow or fetch items.

Built on an all-new hull design, the Ranger 622 FS Pro is big enough, wide enough and deep enough to handle big open water with ease, while its ability to handle outboards of up to 400 horsepower provides the ability to explore distant corners of massive systems like the Great Lakes knowing that you can get back home quickly if you need to. With a Mercury Verado 400 and a full load of tournament gear – including a kicker engine and a passenger – this boat will effortlessly top 65 mph and with appropriate trimming push an honest 70 mph at wide-open throttle. Best of all, it achieves that speed with the kind of stable ride and predictable handling that Rangers are famous for, providing comfortable rapid transit rather than white knuckle rides. Planing performance is equally impressive, with the boat stepping up onto plane almost instantly, and staying there as you ease back on the throttle, eliminating the blind spot caused by the bow riding up as the boat slows down.

One neat feature new this year is a handy drawer in the bow panel, ideal for stowing tools like hook disgorgers or, better still, mooring lines.

Step aboard and the layout screams serious fishing, with a deep aft cockpit, seating for up to four anglers, a full walk-through windshield and an enormous front deck with a tremendous amount of storage underneath. Storage space for gear is one of the real hallmarks of the new Ranger 622 FS Pro, meaning anglers no longer have to unpack the boat at the end of the day because tomorrow’s trip requires different tackle. There’s room for everything in this boat.

Ranger’s attention to detail includes the use of retractable cleats, which stow flush into the deck when not in use so they don’t accidentally snag any lines.

Right up front on the casting deck is a standard Minn Kota 24-volt 80 Terrova electric motor with a 60-inch shaft, with the control pedal housed in a recessed deck well that’s protected by a hinged cover. Just ahead, a big flat panel provides an ideal spot to flush-mount the standard Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE multi-function display and a small digital switch panel that controls lights, live wells and other accessories. That Lowrance display can be easily upgraded to a 12-inch version, or substituted for a Humminbird or Garmin unit.

A carpeted step leads down to the main cockpit. There’s a small cooler beneath the step pad, and a great spot to stow the bulky landing net handle. The 5-gallon bucket at the base of the passenger console can be replaced with a gear locker for rain suits, as seen below the steering wheel, or left as the ultimate trash bin.

On the left side of the bow panel, a small door opens to reveal a useful drawer for stowing tools or accessories like mooring lines. The casting deck is fully carpeted, of course, with a large lid on each side of the deck concealing a huge storage locker. In front of each console is another lid on each side revealing an insulated bait tank that can double as a cooler. In the center, an enormous rod locker handles rods to nine feet in length. Rods in use stow on the deck itself, with hold-down straps and protective wells for the tips located in the face of each console.

The U-shaped aft casting deck conceals a pair of massive tackle storage compartments, one on each side of the boat. Capacity is about 20 Plano 3700-style trays each.

The main cockpit features a wrap-around, U-shaped interior bench that functions as a surprisingly spacious casting platform. Lift the lids on either side wall and you’ll be delighted to see they’re massive tackle lockers, each capable of holding around 20 Plano 3700-style trays. That’s more than enough tackle storage for anyone.

With its tremendous tackle storage, there’s no need to pack and unpack the boat for different trips. This rig carries it all, with room to spare.

Look closely and you’ll note a new step leading up to the bow deck. The step houses a small cooler, and the sharp-eyed will spot a round hole in its face – a secret spot to accommodate the handle of the landing net.

With the passenger seat removed, we see extra space for passenger rods along the port gunnel, keeping them safe but easily accessible. Note the durable vinyl floor in the main cockpit. Snap-in carpet is available as an optional upgrade.

Along the transom, the aerated, timed 28-gallon live well lies under a wide lid in front of the engine. Battery storage and the onboard charger are housed in a cockpit floor locker. The cockpit floor is durable vinyl, with snap-in carpet available as an upgrade.

A massive 28-gallon aerated, timed live well sits under the aft deck just in front of the engine.

The fully digital helm is all-new, with space on the dash for a 16-inch flush-mount display and a companion Ranger Ride display to the right. The Ranger Ride touch-screen replaces the old mish-mash of analog gauges with all functions neatly displayed on a dedicated screen, from dashboard basics like the speedometer, tach, fuel gauge and such to controls for the live well, bait wells, lights, the kicker engine and more. The design is intuitive and easy to use, and really cleans up the helm.

The new helm features a glass dash – say goodbye to the old mish-mash of analog gauges.

The passenger console is every bit as spacious, with plenty of secure space for wallets, cell phones, truck keys and other valuables. A running rod rack for guest rods runs along the side, while the extensive use of vinyl in the interior – rather than hard plastic – gives the boat a fresh, updated look that’s quieter as well.

A dedicated Ranger Ride touch-screen replaces the old dashboard gauges, while also providing full control over electrical accessories like the live well, bait wells, lights and more.

Throughout, the Ranger 622 FS Pro features Ranger’s impeccable fit and finish. Being a Ranger, the 622 FS Pro comes with a massive standard feature list and an equally enticing list of options, including electronics upgrades, kicker engines, remote anchors and more.

With a 400 horsepower Mercury Verado, the Ranger 622 FS Pro will effortlessly hit speeds approaching 70 mph while delivering a smooth, stable and dry ride.

With a starting price in excess of $80,000, this is not what anyone would call an entry-level boat. If you like to fish for a variety of different species and want the ultimate, you’ve found it. The Ranger 622 FS Pro really is the stuff of dreams.