Triggerfish Fishing in Miami

When Miami deep sea fishing, you’re sure to find a variety of species. However, some are a bit harder to catch than others, and the triggerfish is one of them. These fish swim the warm Atlantic waters of Miami by using both the top and bottom fins and can often use them to stay in place, hovering with their dorsal fins to hover like a helicopter. They are also known to lock themselves in reefs when threatened to elicit protection, making it extremely difficult to break catch once doing so. Typically triggerfish can be tough to catch with just a hook and line since they do not strike at the bait. 

Some nicknames include the taly, leather jackets, and leathernecks, but there are few different types of triggerfish:

• Grey triggerfish: mostly found in the Atlantic ocean as far as Argentina and Nova Scotia to the north. Adults are usually an olive-gray color with blue spots and lines on the upper body. During their nesting season (April to August), they can change color - males a dark charcoal grey and females with black and white patterns. 

• Queen triggerfish: not often found by anglers, but if they are, they are found in water ranging from 10 to 98 feet. 

The grey and queen triggerfish species enjoy rock bottom, reeds, and shipwrecks and can travel in either a group or solo. Young triggerfish will be yellow and have violet dots. Both types have extremely large and sharp teeth with rough skin, so watch out if you catch one while Miami fishing!

What to Expect When Charter Boat Fishing

If you’ve ever been Miami deep sea fishing, then you know how great it can be. There’s nothing quite like making a great catch with friends or family in the beautiful Atlantic waters of Miami. However, if you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat! Still, you may be wondering what to expect on your first deep-sea fishing charter. 

You can plan on being on the water for four hours. Our charters run on half-day time slots, so you can come join us either from 8 AM to noon or 1 PM to 5 PM. We do offer some full-day time slots, which run from 8 AM to 4 PM. 

When it comes to popular fish, marlin fishing in Miami Beach is extremely popular! We catch many marlins in-season, among others like mahi-mahi (dolphin fish), swordfish, amberjacks, tunas, mackerel, and so much more! Abundance per species will be dependent on the season, but some are in season all year round. Whichever species you’re looking to catch, we can help you do just that!

Wondering if you need a fishing license to go deep-sea fishing in Miami? If you’re onboard a for-hire boat, the boat must have a permit for you and all those on the boat - you do not need to get a fishing license to go deep-sea fishing with us. We have you covered! However, note that if you go fishing on a private boat on your own and not through THERAPY-IV, you will need a Florida fishing license.

Have any other questions? We’d be happy to help! Just get in touch with us online or by phone at 305.945.1578. 

Monster Fishing with THERAPY-IV

Ready to catch some big fish? THERAPY-IV has you covered. This fall, book your Miami deep sea fishing charter and get prepared to catch some monster fish! Many of the local species in Miami are large fish, putting up quite the fight when wrangling them in from the water. With an experienced captain and crew with over 54 years of experience catching monsters of the deep, you know your next fishing trip will be one to remember. 

One of the most common monster catches we see are of groupers. There are many types roaming around the Atlantic waters of South Florida and can mainly be found over coral reefs, artificial reefs, sunken ships (since they are bottom feeders), coral patches, ledges, drop-offs, and rocky bottom areas. Some groupers can reach weights of nearly 100 pounds and make excellent fighters. We typically use conventional deep-sea fishing rods and deep-sea fishing reels, but heavy equipment can be used in deeper waters. 

Marlin fishing in Miami Beach is another popular pastime. Marlins are not usually a targeted species but are often caught when looking for sailfish and sharks. They are one of the toughest fish to catch in the Atlantic. They jump powerfully when caught, either on the surface or plummeting back into the deep waters. 

Tarpons are another monster fish found in the warm waters of Miami. They are quite large and strong, so they are a favorite catch among beginners and experienced anglers. They love to put up a fight when getting reeled in, jumping and shaking about, especially with their heads while trying to throw off the hook. Tarpons can weigh anywhere from 60 to 150 pounds and are in season all year round. THERAPY-IV uses live bait and live shrimp to reel them in. 

Grouper Fishing in Miami Beach

Grouper fish are one of the most highly sought-after deep seawater fish. You can mostly find them in warmer waters, and they vary in appearance from green or brown colors. The term grouper refers to a family of fish rather than a single species - the family of fish also includes sea bass!

Groupers have strong bodies and largemouths but aren't built for long-distance or fast swimming - great knowledge for Miami fishing anglers! They tend to be quite large, reaching weights of nearly 220 pounds. Compared to many Miami deep sea fishing fish, they do not have a lot of teeth, rather tooth plates in the back of the mouth, located inside the pharynx. Even bigger groupers are not known to attack humans.

The largest grouper ever recorded was found in the West Atlantic ocean and measured 8.2 feet and weighing 800 pounds. In Florida, the highest recorded weight on a hook and line catch was 680 pounds.

Grouper fishing aboard the THERAPY-IV is a fun experience! When bottom or wreck fishing, charter oats should know the area well since it takes specialized knowledge to catch groupers. Sometimes currents can be strong, so experience in grouper fishing throughout South Florida is important to make sure you have a safe and fun experience.

Captain Stan has extensive experience in bottom fishing and wreck fishing. His crew knows the waters of South Florida and how to catch magnificent species of fish - like grouper - and can help you pinpoint exactly where to catch them. 

Back to School Fishing Done Right with THERAPY-IV

Back to school season is upon us, but that doesn't mean that the Miami deep sea fishing fun is over. Late summer and fall are great ties to fish, with a wide array of fish available to catch. Looking to book a fishing trip before the school year gets hectic? Our charters run seven days a week, making weekdays and weekends alike perfect for a celebratory back-to-school fishing trip. Call us at 305.945.1578 to book your Miami fishing trip!

If you haven't been deep sea fishing yet, know that you're in for an exhilarating outdoor activity. People of all ages enjoy the thrill of a catch - like marlins, swordfish, and tuna - at sea. While certain species are seasonal, we usually see barracudas, tarpons, jacks, snappers, ladyfish, snooks, mackerels, grunts, kingfish, and cobias. Even those who are relatively new or brand new to fishing can catch on quickly for a day of fun! THERAPY-IV is a long-time recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence as well as a Traveler's Choice. Once you step foot on one of our charters and hit the open sea, you'll be able to see why. 

Our charters provide our clientele with a one-of-a-kind, high-quality deep sea fishing adventure. Our experienced and passionate-about-fishing captain and crew are ready to help you learn and catch some great Miami fish. You can book a charter every day from 8 AM to 12 PM or from 1 PM to 5 PM. All-day charters are available for private groups. Rodes, reels, bait, tackle, and a Captain/Crew with a Florida fishing license are included. 

Catch a Miami Beach Blue Marlin with THERAPY-IV

At THERAPY-IV, we’re always ready for another great catch, especially when it comes to blue marlins! Blue Marlins aren’t one of the more common types of fish but can be caught for other species like sailfish and sharks, so any catch is a celebration. This past weekend, we tagged and released yet another beautiful blue marlin with Captain Mike and Captain Ryan. These fish are no easy feat! They are extremely agile and fast (reaching speeds of up to 68 miles per hour!), and on top of that, they are some of the biggest fish in the world, reaching weights of up to 500 pounds. That’s a big fish!

Blue marlins are unique and powerful and tend to jump after getting hooked. They put up a good fight on the surface and below the water, sounding and then heading down to deeper water. You can imagine that wrestling one onto a boat while marlin fishing in Miami Beach can be quite the adventure!

Want to catch a blue marlin for yourself? Our experienced team is well versed in all things Miami deep sea fishing. The captain and crew on the THERAPY-IV know the proper techniques for local marlin fishing, and Captain Stan has over 40 years of experience! 

THERAPY-IV is ready to fish with beginners and advanced anglers alike. You can make a reservation at 305-945-1578. The Atlantic Ocean off of Miami is exciting because of the its variety of fish, large and small. When you fish with us, you can expect a unique deep-sea fishing adventure.

Thanking and Saluting Our Troops Who Served in Afghanistan

THERAPY-IV, Miami deep sea fishing, would like to thank and salute every single one of our soldiers who served in Afghanistan. Thank you for your sacrifice, commitment, and work the last 20 years. Over the years, you have defined what it means to be courageous and strong while defending and protecting your country. Thank you to every soldier, sailor, Marine, airman, and Coast Guardsmen who have defended our country and protected our freedom.

Your vigilance and sacrifice in Afghanistan kept our nation safe following the events of September 11, 2001. You kept America safe from further attack on our soil, and for that, our nation owes you a tremendous amount of gratitude for the last twenty years of security. Your service matters for us today, and it matters for the future. You are truly heroes.

What is occurring in Afghanistan is extremely troubling to many veterans, especially to those who have served since 9/11. If you know a veteran who served in Afghanistan, take the time to check in on them. This situation is likely causing many to question if their sacrifice was worth it. Take the time to thank them for what they put on the line. 

While the world continues to watch what will unfold, THERAPY-IV would like to show our support and stand with our nation's troops during this time. 

If you are a veteran (or know a veteran) struggling to cope with the stress of current events, please know you are not alone. The VA has Vet Centers with combat veteran to combat veteran counseling. The American Legion is also conducting buddy checks, which check in on the wellness of veterans. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and other non-profit organizations are there to help. Visit the VFW online for more information. 

Ways to Help Haiti

Early Saturday, a major earthquake struck Haiti, causing massive destruction. Haiti is still recovering from another major earthquake that occurred nearly ten years ago. The earthquake registered at a 7.2 M on the Richter Scale, which is considered very destructive. There have been many casualties reported by Haiti's Office of Civil Protection, which manages the nation's disaster relief efforts. The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a red alert for the disaster. WIth a nation already facing after-effects from hurricanes and tropical storms, how can Miami help?

Experts are saying that the best way to help is to donate to relief organizations. Bringing supplies will be challenging, so raising money to purchase the relief supplies and bringing them to Haiti will help tremendously. 

• United Way of Miami-Dade Operation Helping Hands: The United Way, in partnership with the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, activated Operation Helping Hands specifically for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. All funds raised go directly to purchase relief items and services for disaster relief. They are working with nonprofits in the affected area to support their recovery efforts. 

• Hope for Haiti: This organization is based in Florida and is currently working on the ground to help the people of Haiti through emergency kits and local doctors, nurses, and program managers. You can donate directly to the organization to help them provide relief directly in Haiti. 

• AHF: They are requesting toothpaste, paper towels, diapers, blankets, and baby formula. Donations will be accepted until 2 pm on August 20 at:

• North Miami City Hall: 776 NE 125th St in Miami

• Out of the Closet Thrift Store: 2097 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors and 2400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

• and the AHF Southern Bureau Office: 700 SE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale

This update is brought to you by THERAPY-IV Miami deep sea fishing and marlin fishing in Miami Beach. For more information, please visit us online. 

Mackerel Fish in Miami

Mackerel fish are some of the most popular catches in all of Miami. They can be found inshore or offshore over coral reefs, in artificial reefs, in the Gulf Stream (onshore and offshore). In Miami, you can find them just below the surface. 

There are a few different types of fish you can catch while Miami deep sea fishing that could be classified as a mackerel. The most common is the king mackerel or the kingfish, and they are by far the largest in the category. Other types of mackerel include the cero mackerel, the Spanish mackerel, and the tinker mackerel. Sometimes the wahoo and tuna can be included in the mackerel category. These fish are long and lean and have razor-sharp teeth. There are different markings to determine the different types, while the tinker mackerel is usually much smaller than the rest. Tinker mackerel is also a popular bait for larger game fish like sharks, barracudas, wahoos, sailfish, and marlins. 

Mackerels make excellent fighters and present a challenge when Miami fishing. They are a fun catch when using the right equipment - just watch out for those teeth! Types of fishing that can help you land a mackerel are:

• Trolling

• Live bait fishing

• Kite fishing

• Charter boat fishing

• Drift fishing

• Power drifting

• Anchor fishing

• Pier fishing

• Surf fishing 

Mackerel fishing reaches its peak in the late fall all the way to early spring. The cold fronts of cooler months help improve chances for catching a mackerel since they move in large schools offshore on the beaches. However, kingfish can be seen in South Florida all year round. 

THERAPY-IV Partners With Miami-Dade Parks for a Day of Fishing

On Wednesday of last week, July 28, Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce and Commissioner Sally Heyman put together a day of fishing at Haulover Park for several special-needs organizations and their families/caregivers with Miami police officers! Proceeds from the event benefit these local charities, and THERAPY-IV is proud to have been able to partner with them!

Haulover Park is a historic county park, open to the public since 1948, designed by William Lyman Phillips, the architect who also developed Matheson Hammock Park, Crandon Park, Greynolds Park, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. There, you can rent boats since the area is known for Miami deep sea fishing. You can also rent boats for recreational and relaxation purposes. The Bark Park is the park's dog-friendly area that comes with a large stretch of shade, with play areas for both large and small dogs. If your dog loves to play in the water, no problem! You can take them to the off-leash dog beach between lifeguard towers two and three. 

The nearby beach (Haulover Park Beach) is the one-and-a-half-mile beach just north of Miami Beach, sitting between the Intercoastal Waterway and ocean, making it a great place for Miami fishing! It is noted mostly for its particularly blue water and recreational areas. Notable activities are:

• Nine-hole golf course

• Tennis courts

• Kite-making workshops

• Kite vendors that are perfect for flying on the beach with a spectacular view of Biscayne Bay.

The beach is also wheelchair accessible and has wheelchairs for rent. It is easily walkable, with pedestrian tunnels linking the park and a marina on Biscayne Bay. Parking is also free.

How to Charter a Fishing Boat with THERAPY-IV

Knowing which boat to charter for Miami deep sea fishing adventures can be a bit tricky. There are many things to consider when deciding that you will go with, and your decision can impact your fishing trip. Knowing what to look for and how you will want to spend your day will help you decide what is right for you. 

First, decide how long you would like to fish for. You can try half-day charters or full-day charters. THERAPY-IV offers both since we are just two minutes away from the ocean and 10 minutes from where all the fishing happens. Half-day charters will run four tours, and full-day charters may last up to eight. THERAPY- is open either 8 am to 12 pm or 1 pm to 5 pm for half-day charters. 

Will you want a shared or private experience? THERAPY-IV offers both, especially when marlin fishing in Miami Beach. We are the only charter boat in Miami that allows fill-in services, which is when a party of less than six, we will fill in the rest of the seats at no extra cost to you, so we always have a full boat! We also offer private, full-day charters. If you want to know more about these, just give us a call!

If you’re looking to book an event, corporate days at sea and large group charters are available to you. We can coordinate outings with multiple boats, always guaranteed for a good time. Our boats are also wheelchair accessible. 

Our charters are filled with rods, reels, bait, tackle, and a Florida Fishing License - it’s all included in the trip! THERAPY-IV fleets have been running fully licensed charters for over 40 years. Whatever you want to accomplish out on the sea, we can help you get there. 

Sailfish Fun in Miami

Revered as the fastest fish in the ocean, the sailfish is a large and lively catch - a highly sought-after treasure of the sea. These fish can reach speeds of 68 miles per hour and can live up to four years. Typically, they weigh anywhere from 120 to 220 pounds and reach lengths of 5.7 to 11 feet! There are two main types of sailfish: the Atlantic and Ino-Pacific regions, but they are always found in warm and temperate waters. 

The sailfish are blue and grey with white underbellies and get their name from the dorsal fin that runs almost the entire length of their body. Their dorsal fin is quite a bit larger than the thickness of their bodies. Sailfish are primarily sought after for recreation and not commonly eaten. They offer up quite a fight, leaping and jumping about.

There is a large population of sailfish, and currently, they aren't under any special statuses or levels of protection. In fact, records every year are often broken in Florida from sailfish game fishing! The species is abundant and healthy where Miami deep sea fishing occurs. 

Sailfish season for Florida depends on the weather and any cold fronts that could appear. The warmer it is, the larger the fish population will be—however, sailfish when marlin fishing in Miami Beach can be found year-round. Many people love catching sailfish in the summer, but they are a great game to catch in the winter months. If you've got your eye on the sailfish, check us out year-round for a great catch!

What's So Special About the Dolphin Fish?

The dolphin fish has been a legendary prize in Miami beach for decades. Known as the dolphin fish, mahi-mahi, or dorado, they are most commonly referred to as the mahi-mahi, a name derived from Polynesian, which means "strong." Don't be fooled - the mahi-mahi, or dolphin fish, look nothing like dolphins and are in no way related to dolphins. So, the next time someone says they're fishing for dolphins (commonly used as yet another nickname for this fish), you don't have to be alarmed - they're really on the hunt for some quality mahi-mahi. 

The dolphin fish are most commonly found in the pacific ocean in the central and north American regions. However, they can reside in tropical/subtropical regions across the world, much like where you can go Miami deep sea fishing. They are present all year, but the best time to score a catch is in the warm summer months. They typically live for five years and grow to an average of 15 pounds. 

The Florida Wildlife Commission states that for Miami Fishing, there is a size limit of 20 inches, but there is a ten fish per person or 60 per vessel, whichever amounts to the least amount of fish. Gear requirements are just a hook and line for spearing. 

The dolphinfish is a popular dish for fish lovers worldwide. They are one of the lower-risk alternatives for mercury exposure and are generally low fat, coming in at just 1%. Their flavor is often compared to sea bass. If you want to try something new, mahi-mahi is the way to go. 

All About the Snapper

The red snapper is one of the most popular catches in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions, especially in Southern Florida. There are a few snappers; the dog snapper, emperor snapper, red snappers, the gray/mangrove snapper, the red and white Indo-Pacific snapper, and the yellowtail snapper. These carnivorous fish eat other fish and crustaceans, have giant mouths with sharp teeth, elongated bodies, and can reach up to 3 feet long. Some have even been reported to reach 50 pounds!

Red snappers are some of the most valuable fish in the United States and are a hot commodity for commercial fishers. Unfortunately, they have been highly overfished in the Gulf region, having sanctions placed on their species to manage their conditions and promote population growth. 

This fish also has different sanctions based on the region you are fishing in. Miami deep sea fishing sits in the Atlantic region (state waters are from shore to 3 miles into the ocean). Federal Atlantic regulations start snapper season on July 9. However, since the snapper season is announced and changed by NOAA each year to preserve the species, this year, the season will only last until July 11 for recreational fishing. 

2021 is under a limited open season, meaning there is only a total annual catch limit of 42,510, with recreational catches only able to amount to up to 29,656 fish. The bag limit for recreational Miami fishing is one red snapper per person per day for both private and charter boat vessels. 

Florida regulations mandate that whether you are fishing in the Gulf or Atlantic regions, all those who intend to fish for red snappers must get a State Reef Fish Angler designation. 

Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Rods

All fishing rods are not made for the same purpose. There is a distinct difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing rods, but they aren't hard to tell apart. Selecting the right rod will help you be successful on your next Miami deep sea fishing trip!

Consider what fishing techniques you want to use and what fish you want to catch. Depending on the fish, rods can snap from the weight of a catch if they aren't made for such heavy fish. Saltwater fish typically weigh more, making saltwater rods studier and heavier than freshwater ones. 

Rods made for saltwater will last longer than ones that aren't - this is because there is more corrosion possible in saltwater, so rods are made of materials that help prevent corrosion like titanium, fiberglass carbon, and stainless steel. Due to their makeup, these rods are categorized as slow to medium action. Freshwater rods are usually made of aluminum oxide and are faster. The more the rod can flex, the slower it will be. 

Saltwater rods fall into three categories: spinning, bait-casting, and trolling, and jigging. Offshore trolling rods are often much shorter but studier, while an inshore spinning rod can be cast long distances. Freshwater rods fall into the spinning, baitcasting, closed-face spin casting, transportable telescopic, and ultra-light categories. 

Medium power rods can hold up to 17 pounds and are a good option for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Always opt for a studier saltwater rod when marlin fishing in Miami Beach to ensure a great catch!

Most rods are similar, but the little differences are what will make your fishing trip a fun and successful one. Visit us online for more information on deep-sea fishing!

Fourth of July Fireworks in Miami

Last year saw many cancellations for the Fourth of July gathering and fireworks due to COVID-19, but this year, several events will be taking place across South Florida, with a few exceptions. America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park, A Gables Fourth in Coral Gables, and fireworks shows in Key Biscayne, and Palmetto Bay are among a few of the larger events that are still on hold. However, there are still plenty of places to check out fireworks after spending the Fourth of July Miami deep sea fishing!

The Drive-In 4th of July Celebration will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway, located at One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd. in Homestead, at 7 pm, with their drive-in style show beginning at 9 pm. Music to accompany the fireworks will be broadcasted at 100.3 FM.

The 18th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks show lasts from 7 pm to 10 pm. Catch these family-oriented events with Sound Wave Entertainment, a large LED screen, food trucks, and of course, fireworks at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West. Tickets are free but must be registered in advance. 

Hialeah's Independence Day Celebration includes Grammy-award-winning Gente de Zona, Amaury Gutierrez, DJ Nancy Starr, DJ Yus, DK A10, and DJ Saroza. Food trucks will be there, accompanied by fireworks and a laser display later in the night. Catch the fun from 4 pm to 11 pm!

Star-Spangled Awesome Independence Day Celebration at The Wharf Miami will have delicious food from the Chicken Spot, Sake Room, Spris Artisan Pizza, Mojo Donuts, and La Santa Taqueria. Dogs are also welcome (must be leashed). After 6 pm, the event is 21 and up only, and you must register in advance for free entry. 

Marlin fishing in Miami Beach is a great way to start your holiday weekend. Visit us online to learn more and book an appointment!

How Dangerous Are Mako Sharks?

You may not have heard of the Mako Shark since its close relative, the great white shark, typically steals the spotlight. Often referred to as the "peregrine falcon of sharks," these hunters can reach speeds over 60 miles per hour and may be the most agile in the ocean. 

The name mako is derived from the Maori name for shark. The mako shark has long been the subject of Maori myths and are highly prized for their sharp teeth. There are two species of mako shark, shortfin and longfin. Shortfin Mako Shark encounters are more common, and they can be found throughout the world in offshore temperate/tropical zones (shortfin) or Gulf Stream warmer waters (longfin).

This is a giant mackerel shark, and can reach lengths of 4 meters, and typically live to be 30 years old. The world record for the highest mako shark rod and reel is 1,300 pounds off the coast of North Carolina!

The speed of the shortfin mako attracts lots of attention for fishermen when Miami Deep Sea Fishing. They are deadly hunters but can prove to be most dangerous to humans when lifting them into boats. It's recorded that shortfin mako sharks are only the cause behind one out of nine fatal shark attacks. 

When Miami fishing in Florida, shortfin mako fishing limits include one shark limit per person per day and two sharks per vessel limit (the maximum number of sharks that are allowed to be retained from a vessel is two even if there are more than two fishers on the boat.) The maximum size limit is 83 inches (fork length.)

Giant Wahoo Catch

Wahoos - one of the great fish that is local to Miami. These fish are fast-growing and can get pretty big, reaching lengths between 2.8 feet (males) and 3.3 feet (females). You can find them in the Gulf stream or inshore of the Gulf Stream just below the surface. Wahoos are pretty solitary. They usually travel in groups of two to three or solo. So, when we get a great catch when Miami deep sea fishing, it’s always a good day!

Wahoos can also be referred to as the Pacific Kingfish Ono, which means delicious in Hawaiin. They’re pelagic fish that can be found in many tropical and subtropical waters, most famously in the Atlantic Indian and Pacific Oceans. They’re closely related to the King Mackerel.

These fish are pretty slender and are strong and fast, even being rumored to be the fastest swimming fish in the ocean. They have beautiful blue and silver stripes, which can be most visible immediately upon catching. Beware! Wahoos are another fish with razor-sharp teeth.  

They’re also skilled fighting fish since they are known for their long runs. They fight near the water’s surface but can go deeper. They fight differently when hooked when trolling at deeper depths when you compare them to live bait fishing. When hooked, they shake their heads vigorously while staying just below the surface.

Catching fish like the Wahoo when Marlin fishing in Miami Beach isn’t such an easy task when they’re skilled fighters! We’re proud of these folks for reeling in a great catch. It can be quite a good feeling to catch a fish that’s so fast, making deep sea fishing one of the most entertaining and enjoyable parts of any Miami staycation, getaway, or weekend adventure.