Day 1 with Kreiger

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Koby Kreiger gets prepared for his first morning on the Niagara River. This is his only shot at a Classic berth, and he knows what's on the line.
Koby Kreiger gets prepared for his first morning on the Niagara River. This is his only shot at a Classic berth, and he knows what’s on the line.
Koby's first opponent is his good friend and travel partner Jacob Powroznik, who's safely in the cut for the 2017 Bassmaster Classic.
Koby’s first opponent is his good friend and travel partner Jacob Powroznik, who’s safely in the cut for the 2017 Bassmaster Classic.
The two friends and competitors prepare to launch on the first morning of the 2016 Bassmaster Bracket Challenge at Niagara River.
The two friends and competitors prepare to launch on the first morning of the 2016 Bassmaster Bracket Challenge at Niagara River.
Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer interviews the two anglers before they hit the river.
Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer interviews the two anglers before they hit the river.
Hardcore competitors on the water, best of friends off of the water. This is a fine example of why bass fishing is one of the greatest sports of all time.
Hardcore competitors on the water, best of friends off of the water. This is a fine example of why bass fishing is one of the greatest sports of all time.
Unfortunately, Kreigers morning began with a required trolling motor swap. But, it was an easy switch and barely cost the angler any time.
Unfortunately, Kreigers morning began with a required trolling motor swap. But, it was an easy switch and barely cost the angler any time.
What is going on here. You sure see some interesting stuff at tournaments.
What is going on here. You sure see some interesting stuff at tournaments.
Kreiger is off and looking for the first biter of the day.
Kreiger is off and looking for the first biter of the day.
Hammer down!
Hammer down!
Kreiger's first stop is in front of a long sea wall, or jetty. The current was ripping pretty hard on the front side of this thing, but it created an eddy and current break that smallmouth bass are known for loving.
Kreiger’s first stop is in front of a long sea wall, or jetty. The current was ripping pretty hard on the front side of this thing, but it created an eddy and current break that smallmouth bass are known for loving.
The focus is real. There is a lot on the line for Kreiger.
The focus is real. There is a lot on the line for Kreiger.
With 15 to 20 mph winds forecasted out of the north, there will be wind fighting current, which means rough waters. But for the morning hours it's not bad.
With 15 to 20 mph winds forecasted out of the north, there will be wind fighting current, which means rough waters. But for the morning hours it’s not bad.
After a first unsuccessful run on the spot, Kreiger decides to give it a second go.
After a first unsuccessful run on the spot, Kreiger decides to give it a second go.
He repositions and tries a different angle. Sometimes a different look is all it takes to trigger a bite.
He repositions and tries a different angle. Sometimes a different look is all it takes to trigger a bite.
Here is a fine example of the amount of current breaking over a bridge piling. It is moving quickly.
Here is a fine example of the amount of current breaking over a bridge piling. It is moving quickly.
Kreiger relocates with high expectations.
Kreiger relocates with high expectations.
The hunch produces almost immediate results. He's hooked up with his first fish of the day.
The hunch produces almost immediate results. He’s hooked up with his first fish of the day.
The fight continues ...
The fight continues …
It's not a giant smallmouth, but it's a start!
It’s not a giant smallmouth, but it’s a start!
The catch, weigh, release process takes place with a boat referee who weighs each fish before it is immediately released.
The catch, weigh, release process takes place with a boat referee who weighs each fish before it is immediately released.
After moving a short distance, Kreiger slaps his lure against the water to remove residual weeds from the hooks.
After moving a short distance, Kreiger slaps his lure against the water to remove residual weeds from the hooks.
Meanwhile, KVD blazes by.
Meanwhile, KVD blazes by.
Kreiger turns his boat around and almost immediately hooks into another fish in nearly the same spot. The same fish??
Kreiger turns his boat around and almost immediately hooks into another fish in nearly the same spot. The same fish??
He takes his time making sure the angry smallmouth doesn't jump and throw the hooks in Kreiger's face.
He takes his time making sure the angry smallmouth doesn’t jump and throw the hooks in Kreiger’s face.
The lift ...
The lift …
It's another quality fish.
It’s another quality fish.
This one will play, and certainly help Kreiger's final tally.
This one will play, and certainly help Kreiger’s final tally.
The weigh-in process is repeated.
The weigh-in process is repeated.
The flurry continues, as just a few casts later Kreiger hooks up again.
The flurry continues, as just a few casts later Kreiger hooks up again.
It looks like a keeper ...
It looks like a keeper …
This one appears to have a different paint job than the last two ...
This one appears to have a different paint job than the last two …
Kreiger knows getting this fish into the boat is paramount to how he finishes this event. So he takes his time.
Kreiger knows getting this fish into the boat is paramount to how he finishes this event. So he takes his time.
Another boat flip ...
Another boat flip …
A green one? Yup, there are plenty of largemouth in this renowned smallmouth fishery.
A green one? Yup, there are plenty of largemouth in this renowned smallmouth fishery.
That one will play, nice work Kreiger!
That one will play, nice work Kreiger!
The very next cast to virtually the same spot yields yet another bite.
The very next cast to virtually the same spot yields yet another bite.
The fight continues.
The fight continues.
Kreiger feeds the fish line hoping to avoid a heartbreaking thrown hook.
Kreiger feeds the fish line hoping to avoid a heartbreaking thrown hook.
What's this?
What’s this?
Another largemouth!
Another largemouth!