In the infancy of B.A.S.S. tournament competition and for years afterward, the sport was dominated by heavy-handed, shallow-water techniques developed in the South. Some called it “bubba fishing.”
Surfacing in the mid-1970s, Don Iovino’s western finesse approach to bass fishing was the antithesis of bubba fishing. Iovino’s deep-water doodling and other light-line techniques transformed bass fishing in clear-water reservoirs of California, Nevada, Arizona and elsewhere, and they eventually added a new dimension to bass strategies throughout the country.
Finesse offerings that win tournaments everywhere — shaky heads, drop shots and finesse worms, among others — were heavily influenced by, if not directly derived from, Iovino’s finesse philosophy.
Across a career in sportfishing spanning nearly half a century, Iovino likely has done more to share the gospel of finesse fishing than anyone.
In the early days Iovino sought reels to allow line to spool freely, reaching depths of 30 feet with a drag system to battle big largemouth on light line. Shape, size, and engineering made Swedish made ABU Garcia Ambassador 2500Cs reels popular, fitting nincely into the palm of a hand working finesse rigs. However, the rate of retrieve on these reels was slow and they lacked smooth drag systems. Iovino felt the design was perfect but needed an upgraded component tune up.
Iovino’s military aviation technician experience commanded precision and understanding where and how to supercharge reels.
Iovino’s modifications included lighter level wind assemblies and lighter custom spools, reducing inertia to improve casting ultralight lures. Lining spools with cork reduced the amount of line required to fill them.
Iovino increased gear ratios from 3:1 to 6:1, nearly doubling the speed. Gears were replaced with his manufactured parts and detailed by hand ensuring each tooth meshed with other gears for strong and solid performance. Plastic was replaced with metal.
Drag systems were redesigned to be dependable and smooth, preventing line breakage. As an aviation tech, Iovino discovered materials never used in drag systems for smoother performance. Iovino’s redesigned drag plates and washers provided smooth line release.
According to Iovino, bearings manufactured overseas were not precisely constructed. US manufactured bearings replaced bronze bushings. Bearings added in other areas, like spool shafts, provided more stability and tighter spool tolerances. Bearings aligned the worm gear to perform freely.
US companies met his requirements, including lighter ceramic bearings. Manufactured to tight specifications for smooth casting, ceramic bearings didn’t heat up and performed at full capacity all day.
Enhancing smooth operation, a special Remington gun oil was applied.
Selling as fast as he could build them, in the 1980s Iovino reels sold for $300-500. The only upgrade sent out was painting or chrome plating. Today these vintage handmade masterpieces sell for $1,000 and more. His highest selling reel was a custom gold-plated jewel made for an Arab Shiek that commanded $5000.
Across a nearly half century career, Iovino has done more to cultivate finesse fishing than anyone. His influence is seen in tackle stores, tackleboxes, and the deck of every bass boat. Don Iovino has earned his title, “The Godfather of Finesse.”
Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: www,nationalbass.com. YouTube video channel NationalBassGuide.
