SUNDOG
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Registered: 8-9-2006
Location: Baja
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Book on Baja fishing is informative, delightful
Book on Baja fishing is informative, delightful
By Ed Zieralski
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
January 19, 2008
Outdoors report: Yellowtail active near shore
At a time when Baja officials are in the throes of a battle with organized crime, Tom Gatch has written a wonderful book about a place that always has
delivered terrific adventures to many of us.
His timing couldn't be better, because if there's ever been a time when we need reminding of what lured us to venture into Baja the first time, it's
now. It sure beats the alternative of being scared into not going at all.
“Hooked on Baja,” Gatch's book (The Countryman Press, $21.95), not only shows where and how to fish Mexico's legendary waters, but if you've ever gone
there for a fishing, surfing or travel adventure, then this book will remind you of why you should return.
Gatch, who is completing a home in Ensenada, writes about Baja for The Log and Baja Times, and has used a lifetime of information he has gleaned in
Baja to provide readers with useful tips about a land he loves. It's a well-organized, well-written book that mixes in maps, GPS way points, angling
techniques, tackle suggestions, tips for picking a guide and even recipes of authentic Baja dishes. His travel information and advice for buying real
estate are must reads in these times and truly the more important sections in his book.
In one chapter, “Important Travel and Activity Information,” he writes about buying an SOS sticker for a vehicle that alerts police or any public
official that you're a member of Support Our Sindicatura.
Gatch quotes Larry “Lorenzo” Biedebach, owner of the Campo Lorenzo Skypark in San Quintin, Baja Norte, who says: “If you plan to drive in Mexico, a
donation of only $25 to help support the efforts of Sindicatura will probably be the best investment you've ever made. The Sindicatura is a Mexican
government organization formed to fight corruption among public officials – including the cops!”
Biedebach tells Gatch the most important part of the membership is the SOS decal. “When the decal appears on the rear window of your RV, truck, or
car, any crooked police officer knows that your support of Sindicatura means trouble for him,” Biedebach said.
Gatch said decals may be purchased by writing to: Support of Sindicatura, 7349 Millikin Ave., No. 140-234, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730. Or, e-mail
them at sosindicatura@hotmail.com.
Gatch's wife took many of the book's pictures, including the cover shot, and they add greatly to the book. Artist Scott Kennedy, who is the official
artist for the Newport-to-Ensenada yacht race, illustrated the section on the various fish species found in Baja. There's good information on the
fish, and Kennedy's drawings are pure.
In the section “A Taste of Baja,” Gatch gives recipes for mussels, shrimp, salsa and fish tacos, including fish tacos San Felipe-style and “South of
the Border Beer Batter.”
His details about the Baja panga and its origins, along with tips for picking out good guides, is valuable.
Gatch captures people well when he writes personality profiles of several Baja characters, including San Diego's Gary Graham, who recently was named
to the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. His tale from Orvis-certified fly-fishing guide Jeff deBrown is a touching one every guide and angler should
read to see one man's quest to catch the fish of his dreams and how important it was for deBrown to deliver it to him. And his story of Baja bush
pilot Rick Roessler rescuing two Americans who crashed their plane into the Sea of Cortez near Bahia de Los Angeles is a classic Baja adventure.
But then, the whole book is that way, a reminder of why visiting Baja is still there for the adventurous.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ed Zieralski: (619) 293-1225; ed.zieralski@uniontrib.com
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by SUNDOG
Artist Scott Kennedy, who is the official artist for the Newport-to-Ensenada yacht race, illustrated the section on the various fish species found in
Baja. There's good information on the fish, and Kennedy's drawings are pure.
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Kennedy lives at La Bufadora and he is High Talent. His illustrations alone would be worth the price of the book.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Dennis........does he have a gallery or shop there???
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
Dennis........does he have a gallery or shop there??? |
No...Just lives there. [ still, unless he moved recently ]
He has a website...
http://www.scottkennedy.com/
There's at least one other Scott Kennedy artist mentioned at Google but, the local guy is called a maritime artist. He actually paints anything one
pays him to do. I have a copy of one he did of Los Gordos Restaurant at The Buf. I'll show it to you when you get here.
Well, I just went through his site and after seeing his work up close, all I can say is that the website mangles his art. I can't believe he leaves
these misrepresentations up there. If business is bad for Kennedy, I think I know why.
[Edited on 1-19-2008 by DENNIS]
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CaboRon
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3401
Registered: 3-24-2007
Location: The Valley of the Moon
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Mood: Peacefull
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Dennis,
Thanks for the site link..... some beautirul watercolors.
CaboRon
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
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Wher can I get the book by Mr. Gatch?
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bufeo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 793
Registered: 11-16-2003
Location: Santa Fe New Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Martyman
Wher can I get the book by Mr. Gatch? |
Here's one PLACE.
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