Kreiger, Lineberger pluck monsters

Koby Kreiger and Shane Lineberger came into Texas Fest needing to win to qualify for the Classic as both were deep in the AOY standings, Kreiger 54th and Lineberger 78th. Big fish have both in the hunt.

Kreiger landed an 8-pound, 2-ounce lunker to stand 11th early, and Lineberger has the second biggest bass of the morning at 7-5 to stand 16th.

Lineberger came in a bit fearful of Lake Fork as it’s difficult to run because of the all the standing timber left.

“I’m not real comfortable going anywhere where you can tear up your rig,” he said.

He’s A-OK so far.

The third-largest bass so far is Brock Mosley’s 6-12. Greg DiPalma leads with a limit of 21-10, powered by a 5-7, with his other four all near or above 4.

Skylar Hamilton recently jumped to second with three fish for 12-2, including a 5-15 and 5-1.