By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

PELHAM — Diners were greeted by a special guest July 19 as they entered Texas Roadhouse in Pelham.

Bassmaster Elite Series professional Mike DelVisco welcomed dine-in customers with a warm smile and autographed memorabilia to promote the bass fishing circuit.

It was the third trip to Pelham for the Greer, S.C. native, who said he enjoys meeting fans in central Alabama.

“I love it every time I come here,” DelVisco said. “It’s one of my favorite parts of my job. I don’t get the opportunity to interact with a lot of folks when I’m fishing in a tournament. Here, I get to meet a lot of people and trade fishing stories with them.”

DelVisco mentioned he is seeing more youth show an interest in bass fishing in his meet-and-greet opportunities, which he said is key to growing the sport.

“I see more and more kids when I’m out here,” DelVisco said. “The kids are the future of this sport. The more kids that are involved the better it will be.”

DelVisco said he loves fishing the state of Alabama’s freshwater bodies, noting they’ve been a huge part of his success in the Elite Series.

“This is a fishing state,” DelVisco said. “I’ve probably won more money here than in any other state. All of the lakes kind of fit my fishing style.”

DelVisco said he is thankful for the support he receives from Texas Roadhouse, his primary sponsor. DelVisco brings in his catch on a boat decorated with Texas Roadhouse logos, which was on display Thursday night in the restaurant’s parking lot, at each tournament.

“They’ve been awesome,” DelVisco said. “I’ve been with them close to nine years. They’ve been super supportive of everything I’ve done. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”