Darl and Marilyn Black of Cochranton, Pennsylvania, recently formed Blackwolfe Communications LLC to encompass the writing and photography which they do individually for outdoor magazines along with joint projects on behalf of area tourism. Blackwolfe Communications LLC also includes Darl’s newly established guided fishing trips under the banner Fishing with Darl Black.
“When Darl started talking about guiding services on inland waters of Northwest Pennsylvania earlier this year, we decided it was time to form a LLC,” says Marilyn. “In response to an anticipated question, no, Blackwolfe isn’t misspelled. Wolfe is my maiden name, so we combined both to create a company name that people will remember. With four decades of angling experience on area waters, Darl is the one who will be guiding, having obtained a PA Fish & Boat Commission guide license along with required boating safety and first aid certification.”
Darl explains his guiding packages are unique for several reasons. “First, my trips are five hours long for an affordable fee. Day-long guide trips too often become an endurance test for the client and the guide. Therefore I will offer shorter trips set specifically for the morning or late afternoon when fish are more likely to be active. Second, I am focusing on two species of high interest for visiting anglers – smallmouth bass and crappies. The waters I target in NW PA are among the best in the state for each species.
“The primary waters will be Pymatuning Lake for crappies; Conneaut Lake for smallmouth bass or panfish; and the shallow flowing waters of the French Creek and Allegheny River for smallmouth bass. Specific requests for other regional small lakes will be considered,” explains Black.
According to Darl, the next eight to ten weeks (mid-September to late November) offer exceptional smallmouth bass fishing. “For example, Conneaut is on a very short list of lakes which could produce a new state record smallmouth bass, however many anglers find it difficult to catch smallmouth bass from this clear, deepwater lake. Fall is an excellent time to fish the lake with an experienced guide who can put you on the better spots with high-percentage lure presentations.”
In the spring, Black’s focus will shift to crappies at Pymatuning. Named in 2014 to the 23nd spot on the Top 50 Best Crappie Lakes in the U.S. by FishHound.com, Pymatuning is in the limelight for traveling crappie anglers. While visiting anglers are often interested in booking a guide, a guided outing also makes a great Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Father’s Day or Retirement gift.
All the necessary rods and tackle for the specific species are provided, along with required personal flotation devices. The only thing the client needs to bring is a PA fishing license. Darl Black may be reached by phone at 814-720-1407 or by email at darlblack@windstream.net for details on booking a trip this fall or in 2015. You will find photos from recent trips on Facebook at “Fishing with Darl Black” Page.