Written by Atlas Editorial · Last updated
- Service
- Mark Collins Guide Service
- Based in
- Centre, Alabama
- Phone
- (256) 996-9035
- Years operating
- 33+
Service areas
Target species
Who he is on the water
Mark Collins has fished Weiss Lake for more than forty years and run Mark Collins Guide Service full-time since 1993, making him the longest-tenured full-time guide on the Coosa chain's Crappie Capital. He targets three species across the calendar — slab crappie year-round, stripers May through mid-August and again in December and January, and bass anytime. The operating philosophy on his site is specific and old-school: the guide does not fish, clients catch every fish that comes in the boat, and the trip runs on a no-fish-no-pay guarantee. He has been featured in Field and Stream Magazine (November 2016), guested six times on Gary Finch Outdoors, and written three times each for Georgia Outdoor News and Alabama Outdoor News. Sunset cruises and eco tours for up to six people are also offered. Call 256-996-9035 to check dates; Weiss Lake is in a dry county and alcohol is not allowed on the boat.
Trips offered
Primary trip. Spring and fall are peak crappie windows on Weiss.
Shorter format in the main crappie seasons.
Deep-brush summer crappie, plus main-lake structure.
Striper runs May through mid-August, December and January.
Bass can be caught all year on Weiss.
Shorter format bass trip.
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) guide license database
- Guide-provided biography and service information
- Atlas Editorial verification pass
Data last reviewed: 2026-04-18
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