NATURAL RESOURCES EVERYBODY'S A CRITIC.

To see where the Roger Eberts and Leonard Maltins of the outdoor world toil, check out www.outdoorreview.com. Here are a few of the latest reviews:

--On the Feathered Friends Ibis sleeping bag: ``I have found this bag to be superior in every way shape and form! It is comfortable, the temp rating is accurate, and very, very water resistant (I have the dry loft version).''

--The Fly Logic FP Premium fishing rod: ``Fast, forgiving action and many much-appreciated extras in an entry-level rod. This light 9' 6 wt. rod handles most fishing situations, while the Dual-Weight Logic line system offers the flexibility to fish a 5 wt. or 6 wt. line for varying the rod action and fly presentation.''

--The Blindside Five-O Tiki wake board: ``World famous, and for a good reason! This has been the best selling Blindside Wakeboard year after year, and yes, you asked for it, you got it, a 138cm size ... Ride the butter, ride the chop, ride the sliders, JUST RIDE IT!''

The balcony is closed.

--Camping on spare change: Some tips on low-cost outdoor excursions from the Frugal Camping Trips Web site (http://members.aol.com/frugally4u/campingtips.html):

``Make a survival fishing kit out of an empty 35mm film canister. Wrap fishing line around a small empty thread spool. Tie the end to a fishhook, and place in the canister. When ready to use, take the spool of line out. Lay the line across the opening of the canister and snap the lid back on for use as a bobber.''

-Chris Cocoles

BOOK REVIEW

``Guide to Fly Fishing Magdalena Bay''

By Gary Graham (No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks), $24.95

Magdalena Bay on Baja California's Pacific coast is as big as San Francisco Bay and chock full of game fish such as sierra, grouper, halibut and snook that will take a fly. Pelagic fish such as dorado, tuna and striped marlin can be found nearby. Adding to Magdalena Bay's attraction is the fact it's relatively lightly fished because of the difficulty in getting there. The usual way is to fly to Loreto and rent a car (with reservations) for the two- to three-hour drive west.

This companion to Graham's No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing Southern Baja has an overview chapter along with detailed information, ratings and maps on fishing 14 ``Hot Spots'' in what fly-fishers call Mag Bay. Also included is a photo of suggested flies, drawings of local game and baitfish, with a phonetic guide to their Spanish names. Clear drawings illustrate common knots needed by saltwater fly-fishers, and there is a by-the-month calendar of when the various species of fish most likely are to be found.

This book omits the handy glossary of fly-fishing terms in Spanish included in Graham's first guide, and could use more information and illustrations of suggested flies and details on kayak fishing Magdalena Bay's many mangrove estuaries. But for those who tire of fly-fishing, there also is information about surfing, whale-watching, local flora and a bird-watching list.

Grade: B-

-Bill Becher

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