Do Tarpons Bite? We Found Out at Robbie's! (Islamorada, Florida)

QUESTION: Have you visited Robbie's Marina to feed the Tarpons?!

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Distance Traveled

~23 miles one-way from Riptide Carefree RV Park

Links

History of Feeding Tarpons

Address

77522 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada, FL

Cheap Thrill

$1.00 /per person
$3.00 /bait bucket

Tarpon Facts

Fossil research shows that tarpon have been swimming in our oceans since prehistoric times.
Tarpon can reach sizes up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 280 pounds.
Because of its strength, stamina, and fighting ability, the tarpon is one of Florida's premier game fish.

(Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife)

Tarpon is a bony fish so it's considered more trouble than it's worth to eat.

But what do tarpon eat?

Mullets, pinfish, marine catfishes, Atlantic needlefish, sardines, shrimp, and crabs.

What eats tarpon? Sharks!!!

Two Bull Sharks Steal Trophy Tarpon (1:34)

Let's go feed some Tarpons!!!

Bill at the Entrance of Robbie's and here I have my bait buckets…getting ready to feed tarpon at Robbie's Marina.

Let's go feed some Tarpons!!!

Snapshots here of Robbie's Marina Dock - walking towards the Tarpon Feeding area; Pelicans hanging out hoping to steal any bait fish the tarpon don't snatch up first; What Tarpon (aka Silver King) looks like up close.

What Does the Inside of a Tarpon's Mouth Feel Like? Sandpaper!!!

I volunteer to feed the tarpon first and got off with a few scratches… look at my hand and forearm. This tarpon leaps out of the water and puts his mouth halfway up my forearm to grab the bait fish. Startled me, for sure!