Pineland FL | Tarpon Lodge

The heart of Pine Island Sound

Posted on April 5, 2026
By Anne Marlowe Conrad, Florida Sportsman Magazine
Dining, Fishing & Boating, Local Attractions, Nearby, Pineland FL, Tarpon Lodge

Snook are a mainstay of the Pine Island Sound fishery. It’s catch-and-release for the species here after season closes December 1. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Paulson)

Fishing Pine Island Sound, just off North Captiva Island, had yet to bring tarpon to any of the boats nearby. A big storm had rolled through, likely pushing the silver kings offshore for a couple of days. I took a bite of my sandwich and scanned the water as Capt. Josh Santangelo of Screaming Reels Charters readied the boat to try our luck in the mangroves in search of snook, part of the inshore Pine Island Sound Grand Slam that includes redfish and seatrout.

Out of the blue, the line started zinging, and we knew immediately this was a giant fish. I worked to the boat what we initially thought was a tarpon, but as the big fish twisted out of the water and shot into the air, it revealed itself as a large spinner shark. I fought the fish for some time before the leader parted, a testament to the species variety in the Pine Island Sound area.

Magical moments at Tarpon Lodge: A storm clears, the lights shine, and Paul & Amber say “I Do”

Posted on September 20, 2017
By The Wells Family
Pineland FL, Tarpon Lodge, Weddings

We sometimes say “we’ve seen it all” in the decades that our family has owned and operated Tarpon Lodge. But in all the years, our community has only very rarely experienced a storm of such strength and magnitude as Hurricane Irma, a category 4 that reached our shores on September 10. Needless to say, we were worried about our staff, we worried about our guests, and we worried about our loved ones. When we realized everyone was safe and the damage to our properties was only minimal, we felt relief for a minute – until we learned that not everyone in our region was so fortunate. And yet, we knew how important it was for all of us to move forward. For us, the best way to do that is to regroup, rally our amazing team, and continue to work.

What better way to begin the road to recovery than with a wedding? At Tarpon Lodge, planning and creating a couple’s new beginning are among our favorite things. We love engaging with the wonderful people who celebrate the most special occasion of their lives with us. As with Amber and Paul, during the year or so of wedding planning we establish friendships that often last way beyond the wedding day, and we treasure those relationships. So even in light of these challenging circumstances, we knew we had to do everything we could to make sure that Paul and Amber’s wedding was all that we had worked for, and all that we had promised. Amber’s touching words follow, and we so appreciate that this new bride took the time to share her story.

Made in Florida: Flavors of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island

Posted on May 16, 2017
By Wendy Pramik, Special for USA TODAY
Fort Myers, Pineland FL, Restaurant Reviews, Sanibel, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

Sample southwest Florida’s trademark tastes

Dining at Tarpon Lodge, on Pine Island Sound, often centers on the great view – and the well-loved crab chowder. Other popular plates include, clockwise from bottom: the shrimp appetizer with a balsamic glaze, served over fresh strawberries and feta cheese; mahi mahi with roasted tomato artichoke hearts with lemon sauce and broccolini; a chicken sandwich with heirloom tomato, roasted onion and roasted pepper; a Cuban sandwich; and a salad with burrata cheese, shrimp, avocado and tomato.

Picture Perfect Wedding: Magical moments sparkle at Melissa and Michael’s Wedding

Posted on January 21, 2017
Pineland FL, Tarpon Lodge, Weddings

At Tarpon Lodge, we can’t say enough about the wonderful people who celebrate the most special occasion of their lives with us. During the year or so of wedding planning, we feel like we really get to know each couple and their families – in most cases, we establish friendships that last way beyond the wedding day, and we treasure those relationships.

One example is Melissa (Rodriguez) and Michael Meehan. Married at Tarpon Lodge on January 25, 2014, Melissa now teaches kindergarten and is working on her Ph.D. in education. Michael, a U.S. Marine, teaches special needs students and is also a soccer coach. They also both volunteer in the community to help abandoned and neglected dogs find their forever homes. Michael and Melissa are two of the most wonderful people we know!

Visit Old Florida at The Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island

Posted on October 3, 2016
By Chef Dennis Littley
Pine Island Beauty, Pineland FL, Tarpon Lodge Overview, Tarpon Lodge Reviews

When I first moved to Florida two years ago, I was amazed at the peace and quiet in the part of the state I lived in. But nothing I’ve experienced to date can compare with the peace and serenity I experienced during my stay at the Tarpon Lodge on beautiful Pine Island.

Saving “Ruddy”

Posted on September 27, 2016
By Rob Wells
Birding, Cabbage Key, Nature & Wildlife, Pineland FL

ckruddy Thanks to our quick thinking staff members, “Ruddy” is one lucky bird. Last week, Oleg, Joe, Angela and Michelle were on the staff boat from Cabbage Key to Tarpon Lodge when they noticed a Ruddy Turnstone shorebird drowning. They quickly pulled him to safety, put him in a box and took him to the Clinic for Rehabilitation Wildlife (CROW) drop off location in Capel Coral (http://crowclinic.org).

On Friday, we checked in with CROW and learned that Ruddy is recovering quite nicely. He has scabbing on his legs and wings from his struggle, and he is underweight, but his appetite is good and he is expected to make a full recovery. If not for the compassionate and swift attention of our crew, this would not have been the case.

Your Memorable Getaway Awaits

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