Season Openings: What’s Biting on Chipper’s Clipper
The Gulf of Mexico, off Orange Beach, Alabama, offers diverse fish species throughout the year. On your deep-sea fishing charter aboard the Chipper’s Clipper, you can expect to encounter various fish, each with its peak seasons and ideal trip lengths. Here’s a guide to help you plan your fishing adventure.
Fish Species |
Best Time to Target |
Fishing Method |
Recommended Trip Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Mackerel | May – October | Trolling or live bait fishing | 4 hr. trip or longer |
| Spanish Mackerel | May – October | Trolling close to the beach | 4 hr. trip |
| Bull Red Fish | All year (best in spring and fall) | Various methods | 4 hr. to 6 hr. trip |
| Cobia (Ling) | Mid March – April | Sight fishing from the tower | 4 hr. or longer trip |
| Trigger Fish | All year (seasonal harvest) | Various methods | 6 hr. or longer trip |
| Vermillion Snapper | All year | Various methods | 6 hr. or longer trip |
| White Snapper | All year | Various methods | 6 hr. or longer trip |
| Black Snapper | June – Summer | Various methods | 6 hr. or longer trip |
| Scamp | All year | Various methods | 10 hr. to 12 hr. trip in deep water |
| Grouper | All year | Various methods | 10 hr. to 12 hr. trip in deep water |
| Amberjack | All year (seasonal harvest) | Various methods | 10 hr. to 12 hr. trip in deep water |
| Wahoo | End of May – September | Trolling | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) | All year | Trolling in blue water | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| Tuna | All year | Trolling in blue water | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| Blue Marlin | All year | Trolling in blue water | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| White Marlin | All year | Trolling in blue water | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| Sail Fish | All year | Trolling in blue water | 10 hr. or 12 hr. trip |
| Sharks (various species) | Mainly in the summer months | Various methods | 6 hr. trip or longer |
Recommendations for Your Trip
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with UV protection
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes
- Light snacks and drinks (we provide ice and water)
- Motion sickness medication if needed
- A camera to capture your catches
How to Prepare:
- Ensure a good night’s sleep before your trip.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
- If you are prone to motion sickness: Take medication the night before the trip, as well as the morning of the trip.
- We provide all the fishing gear but feel free to bring your favorite rod.
Handling Weather and Seas:
- We closely monitor weather forecasts to ensure your safety. If the weather is unfavorable, still show up for your trip, as weather conditions tend to change rapidly along the Gulf Coast. If conditions do not improve, we will call you to reschedule your trip. If you choose to not show up for your trip, you forfit your $500 charter deposit.
- For rough seas, consider taking motion sickness medication and staying hydrated.
With these tips and our detailed seasonal chart, you’re all set to plan the perfect fishing adventure. Join us aboard Chipper’s Clipper for an exciting and unforgettable experience in the Gulf of Mexico.