For Albert Wheeler, fishing at the Broad River diversion dam by Riverfront Park, his favorite pastime is about more than just reeling in the big one.

“I enjoy the peace and quiet, the fresh air. It’s good to come out and just relax.”

Wheeler uses a simple jig to catch catfish, brim and bass at his favorite spot.

“Other folks bring the world,” in terms of lures and bait, he says. “But I figure if I throw it out there long enough, they’ll get hungry.”

What’s the biggest fish he’s seen out here?

“A friend of mine caught a catfish, about fifty pounds, right here in the canal,” which runs next to the river. “Looked like a shark.”

_— Jeff Blake

jblake@thestate.com