The Tarpon Lodge in Pineland, Florida was the Lodging Host to the Kayak Fishing ClassicS for the Pine Island Classic. Here’s a video view of the famous 1926 lodge.
Old Florida, the words conjure up the very essence of Southern Charm, Hospitality and Grace. That is what we found waiting for us at the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland, Florida. It is a quiet peaceful island community off of the shores of Cape Coral and a century away from the light speed of everyday life.
The Tarpon Lodge was the lodging host for the Kayak Fishing ClassicS latest tournament, the Pine Island Master Slam Classic which was held on July 14. In addition to being at the old lodge which was established in 1926, the ClassicS staff was there for a photo shoot with artist Steve Whitlock. Steve’s famous art work hangs on the walls at the Tarpon Lodge and his unique style blends right in with the Old Florida lifestyle of the lodge.
Kayak fishing tournaments have become fairly common throughout Florida. Whether it’s a charitable event, a local tournament or a tournament series, there is an event for everyone ….. Then there are the series. The IFA has the Kayak Tour that is very popular, and then there is the Kayak Fishing ClassicS. Recently, the Kayak Fishing ClassicS had the Pine Island Master Slam tournament in Pine Island. I have participated in KFC events before and found them to be competitive and very well run, so I decided to sign up and write about it as well ….
While staying at the 1926 Tarpon Lodge, Capt. Blair fishes the world famous Boca Grande Pass for tarpon and catches a monster kingfish with Capt. Tadd Vandemark!
Tarpon Lodge offers waterside accommodations in the original 1926 lodge and auxiliary buildings, plus a great onsite restaurant. The property is the perfect base for fishing and boating day trips with osprey, egret, and dolphin sightings.
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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the expression, “Old Florida”. Most of the time the description is close, but not right on the money. Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island, in my opinion, is the exception.
My wife, JoNell, has a fairly grueling travel itinerary associated with her job. She goes on excursions both near and far to preach the gospel of vacationing in the Collier County area of Florida. In the month of May, her birthday month, she traveled to New York City and San Francisco and spent her big day on the road, or in the skies as it were. She very much wanted to do something special for her birthday. She told me so, but our schedules just didn’t mesh. The window of opportunity was made smaller when she told me she had another trip scheduled to the state of Texas in early June. What’s a guy to do? ….
Next to the Pineland Marina on Pine Island is the Tarpon Lodge, also owned by the Wells family. Built in 1926, the lodge sustained major damage in Hurricane Charley and has been extensively updated. Furnishings are lovely, and beds are supremely comfortable. Rates are $115 to $295, depending on location and the season. Call (239) 283-3999 or go to tarponlodge.com. A night or two in each place will give you a satisfying sample of the area. The sunset from the Tarpon Lodge is spectacular.
Pine Island’s sparse traffic–and the bike path running from one end to the other–makes it ideal for cycling. Hikers take the Calusa Heritage Trail, which winds among ancient shell mounds and the remnants of an impressive cross-island canal built by the Calusa Indians, who settled here around A.D. 1. Trail signs illustrate the thriving seaside village that greeted Spanish explorers in the early 1500’s.
Our staff is standing by to help you book your stay and answer any questions you may have about your relaxing Old Florida getaway. (239) 283-3999or Make a Reservation