Coastal Resources

Massive Warsaw grouper caught near Destin, Florida was 58-61 years old

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Charter Boat Special K landed a 349.6-pound Warsaw grouper during the Destin Fishing Rodeo. According to Capt. Kyle Lowe, while it was one angler who fought […]

Jared Williams

On Sunday, October 9, 2022, Charter Boat Special K landed a 349.6-pound Warsaw grouper during the Destin Fishing Rodeo.

According to Capt. Kyle Lowe, while it was one angler who fought the fish, it took 5 people to get it into the boat. It is also a new record for the boat.

Since then, Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg has been working to determine the age of the grouper.

Otoliths, commonly known as “earstones,” are hard, calcium carbonate structures located directly behind the brain of bony fishes, according to FWC. Otoliths are used to estimate fish age by counting the stripes, just as you would count the rings on a tree to determine its age.

Over the weekend, Fogg, along with a second opinion from a colleague also with the Coastal Resource Team, estimated the Warsaw grouper to be between 58 to 61-years old. This makes the Warsaw grouper one of the oldest in recent records.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Coastal Resources

Guy Harvey Foundation partners with Destin-Fort Walton Beach to send thousands of invasive lionfish to classrooms nationwide

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa County deploys 8 new shallow water fish aggregating buoys in the Gulf

Coastal Resources

Okaloosa approves funding to complete SS United States artificial reef project, addresses concerns

Travel

Fort Walton Beach lands on Expedia’s top 10 destinations for 2026

Brett commented on WordroW: May 22, 2026

“4 attempts, 2:07”

Respond

“4 attempts...2:07”

Brett commented on WordroW: May 20, 2026

“2nd attempt... 28 seconds”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 21, 2026

“5:47, 6 attempts”

Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: May 20, 2026

“4:35”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: May 20, 2026

“3:43, 5 attempts”

sweetly5f02575b00 commented on Destin City Council votes 4-3 to consider drone show over fireworks for July 4th, citing shorebird protections

“To get a clearer picture, what is the historical record of impact on the nesting sites? Is there evidence of birds being impacted by previous fireworks shows?”

B Holland commented on “This is the Best Day Ever”: New mural honors memory of Jeremy Carmical at HarborWalk Village

“Happy Birthday Jeremy. I’ll see you soon buddy! I love you!”

HGifford commented on Destin City Council votes 4-3 to consider drone show over fireworks for July 4th, citing shorebird protections

“You people need to see the overall picture: birds are an important part of nature. Destin already lets trees be felled without any consequences…other than global warming.”

CD commented on Niceville pediatrician explains new ECG requirement for incoming high school athletes

“Another effect of the Covid vax. Heart issues in young athletes. Crazy!”