Fishing & Boating | 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.

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.

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.

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!

7 unforgettable moments you’ll have fishing The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Florida

Posted on June 29, 2018
By Tom Keer, Matador Network
Cabbage Key, Fishing & Boating, Fort Myers, Pine Island, Sanibel, Tarpon Lodge

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

There are so many reasons to visit Florida’s lower Gulf Coast — all those beaches, the calm, warm water, the sailing, power boating, kayaking, diving, SUPing…. But hey, my linebacker legs don’t do well on SUPs. No, all those things are well and good, but I come here for one reason: to fish.

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