OUTPOST.

Bass class: The College of the Canyons in Valencia will present its class ``Introduction to Bass Fishing in Southern California'' beginning Tuesday, from 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

The course, taught by WON BASS regional tournament director, professional bass guide and tournament angler Ron Cervenka, will be conducted at the same time on subsequent Tuesdays through July 2.

Cervenka will cover a variety of topics, including seasonal and behavioral patterns of bass, angling equipment, fishing techniques and conservation. A popular feature is the bait demonstration at the campus swimming pool.

More than 400 anglers have attended the course during the five years it has been offered at the college.

The cost is $55; seating is limited. Reservations: [phone].

Big-game fishing course: ``Offshore and Big Game Fishing,'' a study of techniques used by anglers in the coastal waters of Southern California and Mexico, will be offered starting Monday at Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave. in Van Nuys.

The course runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on consecutive Mondays through July 15.

Angling pioneer Al Zapanta will teach students about tackle, bait, lures and the effects that currents, food and temperature have on the migration of regional game fish.

The course fee is $43, plus $20 to cover a field trip. Registration: [phone].

Island running events: The Santa Cruz Island 7 Mile/12 Mile Run takes place Sunday at the Channel Islands locale.

The $89 entry fee includes a boat ride to and from the Scorpion Ranch end of the island. The boat departs Ventura at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.

While it is a competitive event, walkers and hikers are also welcome. Reservations: [phone].

Also Sunday, some 800 runners will be participating in the 16th annual Alcatraz Triathlon, a 1-1/2-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 12-mile run in the San Francisco Bay Area. Information: [phone].

Work vacation: It might be a contradiction in terms, but the Pacific Crest Trail Association is hoping for a few volunteers who can take a week or so from June 21 to 30 to rebuild a San Bernardino National Forest section of the Mexico-to-Canada trail.

The work will take place in a wilderness area where power tools are prohibited; packers will haul tools and water. Volunteers will be camping out. Information: [phone] or [phone].

Bass tourney results: Jim Witowski and Chris Spicker of Castaic teamed up Saturday to win the first contest in the Night Bass Classic series at Castaic Lake.

The duo landed a five-fish limit of largemouth bass for 20.41 pounds and $2,880 in prize money.

Phil Smith of Claremont and Jim Opalecky of Covina placed second with 15.23 pounds for $2,145. Last year's winners, Chris Fonseca of Agoura Hills and Matt Clancy of Simi Valley, were hot again this time around, taking third on 14.88 pounds for $910.

An 8.89-pound bucketmouth boated by the fourth-place team of Gary Richey of La Mirada and Bill Kakuk of Whittier was tops for the night.

The series, which continues July 13 and Aug. 24 at the lake, raises funds for Friends of Castaic Lake, a nonprofit group established to enhance the fisheries and facilities at the lake.

Duck dinner: The Rancho Cucamomga Chapter of Southern California Ducks will have its 12th annual banquet and fund-raiser 6 p.m. today at IMAGINE that

, 1318 W. Ninth Street, Suite A, in Upland.

All funds raised at banquets are spent on Southern California wetland and waterfowl projects. Dinner tickets are $50 per person. Information: [phone] or [phone].

Add ducks: The San Bernardino Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold a sporting-clays shooting event in conjunction with a fund-raiser and membership drive Saturday at the Inland Fish and Game Conservation Association range in Redlands.

The cost of the shoot is $50 per person, which includes 50 targets, lunch and membership in DU. Information: [phone].

Guest speakers: The guest host schedule for early summer has been set for the National Park Service's Satwiwa Native American Indian Center in Newbury Park.

On Sunday, Ron Goode, a tribal chairman of the North Fork Mono Indian tribe, will display his soapstone carvings and discuss the impact of urbanization on the traditions of his people.

On June 16, Nadiya Littlewarrior of the Potowatomi tribe will demonstrate techniques of the gourd art designs she creates.

For a complete schedule of speakers or more information, call [phone], ext. 201.

Survey says: A new survey of boat owners shows that 85 percent of males would rather go fishing than hold the office of president.

Nearly two-thirds of those responding to a tongue-in-cheek survey by Johnson and Evinrude outboards said they would rather shut down the government for a national ``Gone Fishing Day'' than for a budget impasse.

Finally, more than two thirds said they would rather go fishing than be a professional athlete for a day - even if that athlete were the Super Bowl MVP.