Fishing Barges of California 19211998 Author:Ed Ries Few Southern Californians realize that over 110 fishing barges dotted our coastline from San Diego to Santa Barbara and beyond for three quarters of a century. Vessels that outlived their usefulness were now moored near the coast as platforms from which to fish. The story of each barge, its previous trades under sail and steam, the barge i... more »ndustry, and the fishing of yesteryear are captured in Fishing Barges of California 1921-1998.
After the success of his book Tales of the Golden Years of California Ocean Fishing 1900-1950, Ed Ries was encouraged to provide further insights into the history of saltwater sportfishing. The barge story was briefly outlined in Tales..., but so much information remained unrecorded that a work devoted solely to the barges was considered necessary. This book is the result of many years of research and with 280 historical photos and illustrations, the complete story of the barge industry is documented from its beginnings in 1921 until the last barge was decommissioned in 1998. To date, it is the only book ever published on the subject. All who are interested in ocean fishing and local history will enjoy the many stories about the Fishing Barges of California 1921-1998, a forgotten era of maritime history unique to Southern California.« less