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By Ed Zieralski
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
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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I was a pleasure to read this review of Tom's book. He is a great writer and I have enjoyed his articles on Baja. As someone who has a second home there and is involved in Baja real estate, it is a pleasure to read an article that places the current challenges facing Baja in context. Baja remains a great opportunity and a wonderful place to visit.
Robert Donnell
www.elmilagrobaja.com
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