Recreation | Tarpon Lodge

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.

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!

Tarpon Lodge Featured In Spring 2022 Issue of Southern Living Magazine

Posted on May 23, 2022
Dining, Fort Myers, Recreation, Tarpon Lodge

Special thanks to Southern Living Magazine for highlighting Tarpon Lodge in its Spring 2022 Issue: South’s Best — Your favorite Scenic Drives, Beach Towns, Barbecue Joints, Family Getaways, State Parks, Bakeries, and Resorts.

Team Salt Life Takes Over Tarpon Lodge

Posted on February 6, 2022
By Team Salt Life
Dining, Nature & Wildlife, Recreation, Tarpon Lodge

“This trip was nothing short of amazing. The staff was accommodating, the food was delicious, and the weather was absolutely perfect. To cap it off, the captains put us on some great fish.”

This was Salt Life team member Ryder DeVoe’s thoughts after visiting Tarpon Lodge alongside fellow team members Astrid DeGruchy, Alex Vandegrift, Colton Hester, and Shawn Jackson. Each guest had a glowing review of the property, location, and arguably most importantly, the fishing.

Have You Heard About Matlacha, Florida?

Posted on May 23, 2021
By Southern Living
Lodging, Matlacha, Recreation, Tarpon Lodge

This colorful coastal village looks as if someone flew over South Florida and dropped a crayon box.

Smiling man plays kettle drum on the dock at Bert's Bar and Grill

Photo Credit: Robbie Caponetto

Think of Matlacha (pronounced MATT-luh-SHAY) as Mayberry meets Woodstock. Locals in town—and on the island that shares its name—offer the kind of warm welcome you’d expect from a small Southern town. But Matlacha’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its chill island vibe attract outdoor adventurers, as well as free-spirited artists and entrepreneurs who have set up shop here.

Come in July and you’ll have the run of the place, with many spots open for limited hours; show up between December and April and the joint will be jumpin’. Either way, stop by Bert’s Bar & Grill, snag a table outside on the dock, and get acclimated (bertsbar.com).

A Return To Old Florida: 6 Fantastic Experiences On Pine Island

Posted on March 2, 2021
By Fred Mays, Travelawaits.com
Dining, Fishing & Boating, Local Attractions, Lodging, Nature & Wildlife, Pine Island

We all have those favorite vacation spots that keep bringing us back. It’s that feeling of peace and comfort that draws us again and again. That’s the way it is for me and Pine Island. I’ve been there four times and still want more.

There are any number of reasons to visit laid-back Pine Island off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Fort Myers. There is solitude and relaxation. Art galleries, fresh seafood, peace, and quiet are in abundance. There are no beaches, no hi-rise condos, not much traffic. But the biggest reason people come here is to fish!

Tarpon Lodge and Cabbage Key

Posted on December 27, 2019
By Ray Collins, Family Beautiful
Boating, Cabbage Key, Nature & Wildlife, Staycation, Tarpon Lodge

Islands in the Sun: 80 miles and a world away from Sarasota!

Over the past 10 years and dozens of articles, this weekend staycation was among the most memorable. It’s not for what it had, it’s more about what it didn’t have. It’s about a weekend that got better by the hour—but not for the usual reasons.

We drove south from Sarasota on Interstate 75 and began angling toward the coast just after Punta Gorda, arriving about an hour later. We checked into a place called Tarpon Lodge, a quaint Old Florida resort on the banks of Pine Island Sound.

Active Travel on Pine Island

Posted on October 18, 2019
By Fred Mays, myitchytravelfeet.com
Cabbage Key, Fishing & Boating, Nature & Wildlife, Tarpon Lodge

Florida has long been known as one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Whether it’s the cool vibes of South Beach, the oodles of family fun that can be found in Orlando or the wild wetlands of the Everglades, there really is something in Florida for everyone.

But, for those looking to get off the beaten path just a little bit, Pine Island is the place to be. Today’s guest contributor, Fred Mays from North Texas Active Life, is here with some great recommendations for finding active travel on Pine Island. From fishing to kayaking to just taking it easy, this is the spot to be!
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Captain Rob Modys: Fishing with My Girl

Posted on August 8, 2019
By Karen Bartlett, Gulfshore Life
Fishing & Boating, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

Golden sunset overlooking the dock at Tarpon Lodge

For ultimate relaxation, Tarpon Lodge offers sunset dinners, mangrove views, fishing and more.

How does ESPN’s popular host of Reel Talk Radio (99.3) and longtime fishing guide Capt. Rob Modys romance his bride of 22 years after her intense season promoting our destination worldwide? (JoNell Modys is the PR and communications manager of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB.) Why, he takes her fishing, of course!

“We’ll start with a relaxed sunset dinner at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island,” he says, “and then retreat to the lodge’s most romantic accommodation, The Cottage, overlooking Pine Island Sound. We’ll have drinks (and, in my case, a cigar) on the front porch before turning in for the night. We’ll be on the water by first light, watching the sun rise over the mangroves. Sunrises are often more beautiful than sunsets, and the birds and dolphins are active and hunting for breakfast. We’ll fish till around 11, and then bring our catch back to the four-star chef to cook up for lunch before we head for home.”

Several excellent fishing guides work out of Tarpon Lodge, Modys says, and summer is an ideal time to practice your fly-fishing skills, “especially for redfish, tarpon and sea trout.”

Nostalgic Tarpon Lodge is a Great Place to Visit

Posted on July 8, 2019
By Lazy Locations
Fishing, Reviews, Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, Florida for a fishing tournament. The event was hosted by Maverick Boat Group; the manufacturer of my Hewes Redfisher as well as Pathfinder, Cobia and Maverick boats. The lodge is a place I’ve always wanted to visit but for some reason, never found the time. This time I didn’t pass it up!

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