Giovanni Nevoloso was “just a baby” when he started fishing with his father in Italy. The men in his family were all fishermen, and those who are still in Italy today are still fishing.
Things were different then, he recalled -- his father’s boat was powered by sails, and when there was no wind, by oars – thus his two sons were put to work at an early age. There was no port; instead, after a long day of fishing the boat was pulled up onto the beach by hand. Despite the hard physical labor, young Gio loved it. He remembered that everything seemed interesting, the weather was nice, and the Mediterranean so warm they would often jump in for a dip. Eventually the fishermen put engines in their boats, and the Nevolosos were fishing in the Atlantic, all the way down to South Africa.
In 1978, Gio immigrated to Monterey County and continued to fish. It was a good time to enter California’s fisheries – there were no limited entry programs in place, and the opportunities seemed endless. He married and raised a family, two daughters and a son. Although none of his children have followed in their father’s boot steps, his son did fish a season or two in Alaska.
Working alone, Captain Nevoloso fished vertical hook-and-line gear for chilipepper rockfish and trolled for albacore tuna. He also fished the nearshore and deeper nearshore for rockfish, ling cod and California halibut, and trapped Dungeness crab. Like most Monterey fishermen, he spent a few seasons gillnetting salmon in Alaska. Over the years, he has owned several small boats. His most recent one, the 33-foot F/V Gabbiano(“seabird”), cruises at 22 knots, allowing him to spend more time on the fishing grounds and still deliver his live product in a timely manner.
In addition to fishing for his livelihood, Captain Nevoloso regularly collaborates with Sea Grant, California Department of Fish & Game and other agencies, working to improve fishery management. He believes such collaboration to be the key to stronger fisheries and hopes the results will benefit all fishermen.
When he’s not out fishing or doing research, Captain Nevoloso keeps the Gabbiano berthed on “I” Tier, near the Public Launch Ramp at the Monterey Marina –and if it’s not there, watch for him to come zooming in, late in the afternoon.
Many thanks to Lori French, the original founder of Faces, for her previous work and continued efforts.
Funds for The Faces of California Fishing were provided by a grant from
Central California Joint Cable/Fisheries Liaison Committee.
Content copyright 2012. Alliance of Communities for Sustainable Fisheries. All rights reserved.
