Welcome to the THERAPY-IV Deep Sea Fishing Blog. Captain Stan Saffan and his crew of deep sea sportfishing experts have been fishing the South Florida waters for over 40 years, providing private and shared deep sea and Biscayne Bay charter boat experiences of a lifetime to thousands of people that have had a chance to fish with them. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time fishing in Miami or you are a master big game monster catcher, you can count on the THERAPY-IV to make your day at sea a memorable one.

We would also love to hear from you! Whether your Deep Sea Fishing Experience was with us or on your own, tell us about it! This will be a place to discuss all things Sports Fishing! Everything from products to techniques, we want to hear it all! I look forward to hearing from all you avid Deep Sea Fishermen out there!

Go get 'em!



Wednesday, August 25, 2021

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.

Thursday, August 19, 2021

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. 

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

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. 

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

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. 

Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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.