World-class fishing awaits.
Live Oak Landing is a fishing lover’s dream come true. The Choctawhatchee river system offers some of the most diverse fishing in the country. And with an on-site boat ramp and dock, you’ve got access at the ready to the bayou, river, bay and Gulf.
Fishing along Black Creek and the Choctawhatchee River and Bay
The Choctawhatchee River flows for 96 breathtaking miles from Alabama to Choctawhatchee Bay. With beautiful and diverse river terrain, anglers can cast a line in wide open water or play hide and seek with their catch in the lower tidal reaches of the river. With still waters, tree tops, stick-ups, and small creeks peeking around the bend, the Choctawhatchee river brings fine catches throughout the year.
Largemouth bass are most easily caught in spring and summer on crankbaits and artificial worms. Bass also can be caught around treetops and stick-ups in the river. Redear are abundant and generally spawn in quieter waters during April, then remain active throughout summer and early fall. Stumpknockers are found in smaller creeks, while redbreast bream and warmouth (both late spring and summer spawners) are more active in still waters. Sunshine bass, usually 1-3 pounds, can be caught in the lower sections of the river. Anglers should use shiny lures, which resemble shad or menhaden, live shrimp, or finger mullet when seeking striped or sunshine bass. The best time to fish for larger stripers is early morning or late afternoon, ideally on an outgoing tide.
Fishing Licenses
Fishing licenses are required by law if you are between 16 and 65. However, many anglers know buying a license funds fish and wildlife conservation and voluntarily buy one as a way of showing their stewardship ethic. Instant licenses are available by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). These waters host both fresh and saltwater species.
Freshwater Species typically found in this area:
Largemouth Bass
State Record: 17.27 lbs.
Bluegill
State Record: 2.95 lbs.
Redear (Shellcracker)
State Record: 4.86 lbs
Redbreast (Bream)
State Record: 2.08 lbs.
Striped Bass
State Record: 42.25 lbs.
Sunshine Bass: Hybrid of white bass x striped bass
State Record: 16.31 lbs.
Black Crappie
State Record: 3.83 lbs.
Channel Catfish
State Record 44.50 lbs.
Flathead Catfish
State Record: 63.80 pounds
Saltwater Species:
Redfish (Red Drum)
State Record 52.32 lbs.
Spotted Sea Trout (Speckled Trout)
State Record 17.44 lbs.
Sheepshead
State Record 15.13 lbs.
Mullet
State Record: This species is not currently eligible for a state record.
Most common size is 1 to 3 pounds but can exceed 10 pounds.
Anglers Code of Ethics:
1. Supports conservation efforts.
2. Practices effective catch-and-release of fish that are unwanted or prohibited to retain.
3. Doesn’t pollute; recycles and disposes of trash.
4. Practices safe angling and boating, by following the laws and using common sense practices to prevent injury to themselves, others or property.
5. Learns and obeys fishing and boating rules and regulations, and purchases appropriate licenses.
6. Respects other anglers’ and boaters’ rights.
7. Respects property owners’ rights and does not trespass.
8. Shares fishing knowledge and skills.
9. Doesn’t release live bait into waters or spread exotic plants and fish.
10. Promotes ethical sport fishing and encourages others to reconnect on the water.
