Fishing Pier In South Philly Becomes Popular Spot On Beautiful Day

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A refurbished pier in South Philadelphia that opened last fall is a new hot spot for those who want to spend a nice day outdoors. Fishing is permitted, but you have to throw what you catch back into the river.

A group of friends from South Philadelphia spent Wednesday fishing on Pier 68, a catch and release location along Columbus Boulevard on the Delaware River. "T" hooked a large catfish, but when he was reeling it in, but as he was getting ready to grab it the line snapped and the fish got away.

"T" claimed he was the first one to catch a fish.

Does that count?

"Of course that counts," he said. "I got a picture."

But his buddy Ricky disagreed, because the fish never got out of the river.

"No that didn't count," Ricky argued. "I didn't see it out of the water, so that didn't count."

Their friend David was enjoying the day.

"It's a beautiful pier. It is relaxing," he said. "You come out here, enjoy yourself, you know, and fish. Actually, you will be able to fish and not worry about anyone bothering you."

Except for reporters.

Meantime, Lou Paolone of South Philadelphia was there teaching his 10-year-old grandson Nick Cavalli how to fish.

"Be respectful, keep the place as clean as when you got here," Paolone said. "Take care of the fish when you catch them. The casting, the catch and release and that takes time. The little guys lack some dexterity in the hands but they come along and they learn."

Michael Allen, his wife Christie and son Michael Jr. were trying out the spot for the first time.

"I've been born and raised doing this," Allen said. "My father use to take us all over in the Philadelphia area, and it just grown on me. I love to fish. I've been fishing since I can remember.

It's relaxing, it's very relaxing," Christie said, "but you have to have patience when you fish."