OUTPOST.

--Following the rules: The Department of Fish and Game's new statewide regulations penalizing anglers in possession of undersized corvina caught in the Salton Sea goes into effect today. Anglers who catch corvina that are less than 18 inches can receive citations from DFG wardens and fined as much as $1,000. The five-fish daily creel limit and all other fishing regulations remain unchanged. According to warden Joe Brana the corvina size was changed because of heavy angling pressure.

--Big Bass Shootout: The American Sportfishing Association, in conjunction with the Fred Hall Show, is holding a Big Bass Shootout at Castaic Recreation Area today through Sunday.

Five selected anglers will compete on the lake, with the winner of the heaviest five-day stringer receiving a Ranger Boat and other prizes. If an angler's catch sets a state record, the angler receives $50,000. If the angler's catch is a world record, it will be worth $250,000.

--Gone fishing: The North Recreation District of the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation scheduled the 2000 Spring Adult Fishing Derby for Saturday from 7-11 a.m. at Apollo Park, 4555 West Avenue G in Lancaster. Proceeds from the derby are used to purchase trout for the free youth fishing derby, which is slated for May 6. Registration for the adult fishing derby begins at 6 a.m. The derby is open to persons 16 and older with a California fishing license. Presale tickets are $15 and derby-day tickets are $20. Information: [phone] or [phone]

--Bird watching: The San Fernando Valley Audubon Society has organized a bird walk at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Sepulveda Basin, located on Woodley Avenue between Victory and Burbank boulevards. Those interested should meet in the first parking lot, located on the right-hand side after entering the access road to the Tillman Water Treatment facility. Information: [phone].

The SFVAS will also hold its Annual Awards Dinner at the Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Ave. in Van Nuys, Friday at 6:30 p.m. SFVAS will be honoring councilman Hal Bernson for his efforts to save the Chatsworth Reservoir as a nature preserve. Margaret Huffman is the featured speaker and will be discussing the endangered environment of the Santa Monica Mountains. Cost is $29 per person. Information: [phone].

--Bass fishing 101 : WON BASS tournament director and professional bass angler Ron Cervenka will be teaching the basics of bass fishing through a class offered by College of the Canyons, 26455 North Rockwell Canyon Road, March 14 through April 4. ``Introduction to Bass Fishing in Southern California,'' covers topics including season and behavioral patterns, equipment selection, techniques, sonar units, bait demonstrations and other necessary skills. Cost for the course is $59. Information: [phone] ext. 3304.

--Big halibut, big money: The 14th Annual Santa Monica Bay Halibut Derby will again feature a tagged halibut that if caught during the event could be worth $25,000 to a lucky angler during the April 8-9 event.

Prior to the event, five legal halibut will be fitted with tags. Anglers who catch one of these tagged fish will have an opportunity to draw from one of five envelopes - one worth $25,000 in cash. Entry fee is $50 and covers both days. There is also a banquet and awards ceremony April 15 that will cost $30 per person for those who choose to attend.

The derby attracts nearly 2,000 anglers each year on a flotilla of more than 700 boats and is the largest event of its kind on the West Coast. The event's proceeds are donated to the Santa Monica Boys' and Girls' Club and other Los Angeles County youth organizations. Information [phone].