Sunday, September 07, 2003

By Deborah Weisberg

Smallmouth guide and outdoors writer Darl Black has launched a Web site that offers the next best thing to fishing with an expert.

Black, who lives in Cochranton, specializes in the middle Allegheny River, Conneaut Lake and French Creek, but has fished all over the country. His Web site covers on-line outings to different destinations, seasonal techniques, tackle and links to related sites. It does not include a message or bulletin board.

Black has written for many major publications, including "Bassmaster" and "In-Fisherman."

Besides bass, he guides for bluegill and crappie in the spring. To visit his site, go to www.smallmouthquest.com or www.darlback.com.

Steelhead expert

Steelhead guide John Rochus from the Canton-Akron, Ohio, area will give a free steelhead fly-tying seminar, Oct. 10 from 6:30-9 p.m. at Highland Sports on William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

The shop also is offering basic fly-tying courses from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. Each course runs five weeks and will cover streamers, nymphs, dry flies, terrestrials, etc.

If you don't have a vice or tools, you can borrow from the shop. The cost is $40. Fly-fishing guide Scott Loughner of Rillton will be the teacher. For details, call 724-387-2727.

Stop ahead

Steelhead fishermen are reminded there's a stop sign at the entrance to the busy Walnut Creek access area parking lot. Citations were issued to many motorists who went through the stop sign last year in their eagerness to find a parking space and get out on the stream. Avoid starting your fishing trip with a hefty fine and hit the brakes when you see red.

Volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for cleanups of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers Sept. 13.

Last year, three tons of trash were collected from the Allegheny, highlighting the threat to water quality and aquatic life. Volunteers will work with Department of Environmental Protection watershed teams on 30 miles of the Allegheny River between Irvine and Tionesta, and 15 miles of the Clarion River between Belltown and Cooksburg.

Canoes and transportation to dropoff points will be provided. Some wading is involved. Cookouts will follow each cleanup.

To volunteer for the Allegheny River cleanup, call 814-723-3273. To help out on the Clarion, call 814-797-1191.

Access open

Anglers and boaters are reminded that the new boat launch in Kilbuck is open. To reach the ramp from Pittsburgh, take Route 65 north past Emsworth, exit left onto Interstate 79 north and at Glenfield Viaduct turn left. Make a right at the stop sign, then a right onto East Beaver Ave.

Lifetime license

Seniors can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $15.25 anytime during the calendar year in which they reach age 65. The license may be purchased before their birthday.

For example, if you're turning 65 in May 2004, you can buy the lifetime license as early as Dec. 1, 2003, which is when licenses go on sale just in time for Christmas shoppers.

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