Feeding Tarpon from the Dock at Robbie’s of Islamorada
Join Travel with D and E as we take on the challenge of feeding tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada, right from the dock, and see how wild this frenzy can get!
You’re in for a real treat today, folks! Tarpon feeding at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorado, home of the world-famous tarpon feeding, is an experience like no other, and I’m excited to share it with you. The thrill of being up close and personal with these magnificent creatures is an adrenaline rush like no other – and I’m not just talking about the fish themselves, but the atmosphere, the energy, and the excitement that comes with feeding them right from the dock. Robbie’s is a must-visit destination.
Table of contents
Feeding the Tarpon
Feeding the Tarpon at Robbie’s is easy. Just purchase a bucket of bait and head out on the dock. The Pelicans approach you and make noise when you start walking out on the dock with live bait.
The tarpon, often called Silver Sides or Silver Kings, are swirling in the water below you waiting for their opportunity for a nice fish snack.
Either kneel or lay down on the dock. Grap a bait fish and hold over the water. The tarpon are churning in the water below you. Then, it happens – one will shoot out of the water to grab the bait. Recognizing the fish is in your hand, the tarpon will grab your hand to get to the bait. It’s quite an experience.
It’s like a switch has been flipped, and suddenly the whole dock is electric. People are cheering, cameras are snapping, and the tarpon are going wild – it’s absolute chaos, and it’s absolutely amazing.
Amid all this chaos, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to take it all in. But trust me, this is something you won’t want to forget. The sheer power, the sheer strength of these fish as they thrash and twist and fight for food – it’s awe-inspiring, to say the least.
As the frenzy reaches its peak, the tarpon are swarming, their silver bodies flashing in the sunlight as they compete for food. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before – a whirlpool of water, a storm of scales and fins, and at the center of it all, the dock, the bait, and the people who are lucky enough to be experiencing this wild ride.
What to Expect When Feeding the Tarpon?
You will have pelicans everywhere making lots of noise with Tarpon swirling in the water below. The bucket of fish is $5.00 while anybody going on the dock must pay $2.50 to see the show of the tarpon feeding frenzy.
There is a high number of massive Tarpon churning the water below. Resident tarpon can usually be spotted in the marina throughout the year, with an influx of new arrivals during the spring and summer months.
Where is Robbies of Islamorada Located?
It is located at Mile marker 78 on Hwy 1, the Overseas Highway, in Islamorada, in the Florida Keys. This is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from downtown Key West and about a 30-minute drive from Key Largo.
Other Activities Available at Robbie’s
Hungry Tarpon Restaurant and Bar
Feeding the tarpon isn’t the only activity at Robbie’s. They have The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant and Bar, famous for the famous loaded Trailer Trash Bloody Mary, signature cocktails, and local draft beer. Their fresh delicious seafood is to die for.
Water Sports
Robbie’s has water sports including jet skis, kayak, and paddle board rentals. There are high-end owner’s sportfishing charters available. SNUBA and snorkeling adventures are available as well. You can charter the Four Aces, a 55-foot Hatteras, and take you on any adventure you can imagine. Finally, a sunset cruise, along with glass-bottomed boat charters.
Dollar Bills
Another interesting activity is a tradition where visitors take a dollar bill and write a note on it, date it, and then staple it to the wall or ceiling. There are dollar bills everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Experience the thrill of Feeding Tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada, where you interact directly with these magnificent fish.
- Prepare for an electric atmosphere with noise from pelicans and excitement from the feeding frenzy on the dock.
- Feeding tarpon is easy: purchase a bucket of bait, go to the dock, and feed these large fish as they swirl below you.
- Robbie’s offers more than just tarpon feeding; enjoy dining at the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, water sports, and the unique dollar bill tradition.
- Located at Mile marker 78 on Hwy 1, Robbie’s is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Key West, making it a must-visit destination.
Conclusion
Hope you guys enjoyed this tarpon feeding frenzy as much as we did. It’s an experience hard to put into words, but trust me, you won’t soon forget it. This is one of those memorable moments you will have on your Key West Trip. If you’ve got your own tarpon-feeding stories or experiences, I’d love to hear them in the comments below. And if you’re new here, consider subscribing for more great travel destinations and experiences.>
Remember, it’s not a trip to the Keys without a visit and a great time at Robbie’s! If you like this post, check out all our other posts and videos from Key West and the Florida Keys, along with the Dry Tortugas National Park and Shark Valley in the Everglades National Park.
Join us as we continue to explore and bring back great information on destinations where you can make lasting memories with your significant others.
