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Discover the Untamed Allure of Pine Island Sound: A 4-Day Fishing Odyssey

Posted on November 21, 2025
Dining, Fishing & Boating, Pine Island, Tarpon Lodge

We’re thrilled to share this captivating video from the team at Suns Out Fishing, who joined us for an epic four-day expedition through Florida’s most underrated inshore fishery.

Invited by Salt Water Sportsman Adventures, they traded city lights for rod-and-reel pursuits, docking right here at our waterfront to chase snook, redfish, and speckled trout amid mangroves and sun-drenched flats. From heart-pounding strikes at first light to sunset toasts on our veranda overlooking the Sound, their journey captures the raw, exhilarating spirit of Pine Island—proving once again why anglers from near and far return to our shores year after year.

Pour yourself a chilled glass of something crisp, settle in, and let their story transport you. Who knows? It might just inspire your own reel escape. Ready to hook into the legend? Give us a call at (239) 283-3999 or book your stay today—your slice of Old Florida awaits.

Tarpon Lodge attracts gamefish that serious anglers have on their bucket list

Posted on October 29, 2025
By Steve Waters, Miami Herald
Bokeelia, Fishing & Boating, Pine Island, Tarpon Lodge

Here at the northern end of Pine Island, it feels like you’re a world away from the vibrant streets and nightlife of nearby Fort Myers. Especially if you’re staying at the charming Tarpon Lodge, a legitimate Old Florida establishment that celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.

The lodge got its name from the bucket list gamefish that attracts anglers from around the world seeking to hook up with the silver king, the nickname given to the regal tarpon.

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A LASTING LEGACY: Remembering Jimmy Carter’s unforgettable 2004 visit to southwest Florida

Posted on October 16, 2025
By Emily Young, Fox 4
History, Tarpon Lodge

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter pose for a photo w with Rob and Jessica Wells.

Locals remember the former president’s 2004 visit to southwest Florida, where his warmth and genuine connection with the community left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — As tributes continue to pour in for former President Jimmy Carter following his passing, memories of his time in southwest Florida remain fresh in the minds of those fortunate enough to have met him. It was exactly 20 years ago that President Carter made that memorable visit to our community—an occasion still talked about with fondness by locals who met him in person.

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Florida’s Gulf Coast: Hotels, restaurants and things to do

Posted on December 15, 2023
By Alicia Watts, Cosmopolitan
Cabbage Key, Reviews, Tarpon Lodge

John Coletti//Getty Images

Look no further for a relaxing, wholesome and feel-good trip

If you’re a fan of low-key, chain-free restaurants and hotels, protected wildlife, island hopping around secluded beaches and making real memories in a slice of paradise, Florida’s Gulf Coast could be calling your name. Here’s our travel guide of the best places to stay, where to eat and drink and what to do while you’re there. Basically, here’s what your adventure could look like.

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Dock & dine in style: Discover Fort Myers’ best waterfront restaurants

Posted on October 6, 2023
By Travelweek
Boating, Cabbage Key, Dining, Fort Myers, Tarpon Lodge

Inhale those fresh Gulf breezes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face as the day unfolds before you.

All throughout Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighborhoods, you can go straight from an exhilarating boat ride to an amazing meal while overlooking the water.

You’re invited to experience a local legend. Cabbage Key Inn sits on its own 100-acre island and has been feeding guests for decades. Hop aboard a charter or book your own private boat to reach this remote restaurant famed for its cheeseburgers, fresh seafood and frozen Key lime pie. Its defining feature is the thousands of dollar bills taped to the restaurant’s ceilings and walls, and you’ll likely spot tortoises and other wildlife roaming the walkways outside.

Feel the charm of an Old Florida landmark at the Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant in Bokeelia on Pine Island. This historical 1926 house overlooks Pine Island Sound and is surrounded by a restored boathouse, bungalow-style cottage and comfortable Island House. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or exquisite evening meal at Tarpon Lodge Restaurant, where you can dine on the catch of the day, prized Gulf pink shrimp or other locally sourced favourites.

This is an excerpt from an article originally published by Travelweek.

Tarpon Lodge and Cabbage Key: The Best of the Gulfshore 2023 Award Finalists🏅

Posted on May 5, 2023
By Tarpon Lodge
Awards, Cabbage Key, Tarpon Lodge

We are excited to share that Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant and Cabbage Key were finalists in 17 categories in Gulfshore Life Magazine’s Best Of rankings. And we’re even more thrilled to announce that we WON the following:

Tarpon Lodge:

  • Best Hotel/Resort
  • Best Kept Secret
  • Sunset View

Cabbage Key:

  • Best Boating Destination
  • Best Boating Access
  • Key Lime Pie

These honors are a result of community and guest votes which means we could not have done it without you! We take pride in our history and we strive to provide the best “Old Florida” dining and getaway experience for our guests. After the year ⛈ we’ve all had, your votes mean the world to us and our wonderful employees. Thank you for contributing to this achievement. 🥰

Tarpon Lodge Restaurant among the 15 best waterfront restaurants in Florida, as chosen by USA TODAY Network writers

Posted on March 29, 2023
By USA Today
Dining, Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

Everybody loves a great waterfront restaurant with spectacular views and Florida has many of them.

These are the special occasion kind of places where you can dine while enjoying a spectacular sunset or sip on a margarita while watching dolphins frolic in the ocean.

Just in time for spring travelers, a team of USA TODAY Network contributors throughout the Sunshine State chose 15 waterfront restaurants that are perfect to visit any day of the year, especially during the cooler springtime.

The included restaurants reflect contributors’ favorite oceanfront restaurants and charming eateries which hug the Sunshine State’s beautiful bays and rivers.

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Overnighting in old Florida, at Pine Island’s Tarpon Lodge

Posted on January 4, 2023
By Susan Glaser, cleveland.com
Cabbage Key, Pine Island, Reviews, Tarpon Lodge

A sapphire blue pool reflects a serene sunset scene at Tarpon Loge.

The pool at sunset at Tarpon Lodge, an old-Florida retreat on Pine Island in Southwest Florida.

PINE ISLAND, Florida – There are no sandy beaches on this Florida island, no high-rise condo complexes, no fancy stores.

What you’ll find instead on Pine Island, just west of Fort Myers: a mostly rural atmosphere with exotic fruit farms and some of the best fishing in the state.

There’s also a unique old Florida place to spend the night, the Tarpon Lodge, with 22 overnight rooms and cottages, many with views of the Pine Island Sound.

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10 Incredible Things to do in Pine Island Florida! That You’ll Love!

Posted on August 19, 2022
By theworldandthensome.com
Local Attractions, Nature & Wildlife, Recreation, Reviews

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Pine Island, Florida – you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post we’ll look at all the best things to do in Pine Island, Florida – to keep you busy during your trip or vacation!

Whilst Pine Island might be a small place, there are so many options for the best things to do in Pine Island, Florida – and we know you’ll love the suggestions below!

So, let’s get into it!

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