Month: November 2020

Bonus $5,000 tagged Charity Fish caught!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Darwin’s Hayley Palazzi has reeled in the Bonus Charity Fish released as part of a special Million Dollar Fish event last Sunday.

Caught on Thursday, 26 November, the 80cm purple-tagged fish will see $5,000 go to Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity, Cancer Council NT.

The fish was released at Barramundi Adventures in Berry Springs last week, and 60 lucky fishos won the chance to try and bag it. Although none of them managed to, they did walk away with a heap of other prizes, including a $10,000 Great Northern Breakaway to the Tiwi Islands.

Hayley and her husband, Aaron Palazzi, were enjoying a day out to celebrate their November birthdays when she caught the tagged barra with her final cast of the day. A keen fisho, Hayley said she hadn’t had time to go fishing for a while and they chose Barramundi Adventures because it is close to town and is always an enjoyable and fun place to go.

“I only registered for Million Dollar Fish on the way out to Barramundi Adventures because my husband, Aaron, thought it would be a good idea, just in case. I’ve never registered before as I don’t get much time to fish these days. I did not for one second expect to catch the tagged barra,” she said.

The northern suburbs resident wins a remote fishing charter, thanks to Barramundi Adventures, while the $5,000 goes to Cancer Council NT.

Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod congratulated Hayley and thanked her for donating the money to Cancer Council NT.

“This donation will go directly to funding our 2021 Transport to Treatment program, which provides transport to cancer patients so they can safely attend cancer treatment at Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and Royal Darwin Hospital,” she said.

This is the 10th fish caught in Season 6. There are still 123 tagged fish swimming around in Territory waterways, including seven worth $1 million (once the first Million Dollar Fish is caught the remaining six become $10,000 fish). You must be registered to win. Visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

First Charity Fish of Million Dollar Fish Season 6 in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Darwinite Tony McLean has pocketed $2,500 after reeling in the first Charity Fish of Million Dollar Fish Season 6.

Caught on Sunday morning at East Point, the local fisho was land-based fishing with a mate when he reeled in the 56cm barra.

Worth $5,000 in total, the purple-tagged fish will see Tony take home a cheque for $2,500 with the other half donated to his Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of choice, The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

While the Charity Fish was not the Million Dollar Fish, Mr McLean said he was very happy to win $2,500 and donate the other half to a great cause.

“We’ve had a few celebratory beers since reeling in the Charity Fish and I’m very pleased to be able to give $2,500 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation – it’s a cause that is important to me,” he said.

“I’ve decided to split half the cash with my mate who was with me. He’s going to put the money towards new fishing gear and my wife needs a new lawn mower so that’s what I’ll be spending my winnings on.”

To be in the running to win great prizes and bag the catch of your life, click here to register.

 

 

Lucky fishos enjoy bonus chance to snag a tagged barra

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Sixty lucky fishos tried their best to catch a bonus $5,000 Charity Fish yesterday at a special event at Barramundi Adventures. The fishos won a spot at the invite-only gathering through a competition run with Mix 104.9 FM – Wet a Line with Matt Wright.

The event, in Darwin’s rural area, was to celebrate the partnership between Million Dollar Fish and Great Northern Brewing Co. Great Northern ambassador, mad keen fisho and Outback Wrangler Matt Wright released the bonus Charity Fish and the fishos had a good crack at catching it – but no one managed to snag it.

What they did snag was a swag of other prizes, including a Great Northern Breakaway fishing trip to the Tiwi Islands, Great Northern Fishing Packs and official Million Dollar Fish merchandise.

“It was a great day with plenty of action in the water,” NT Major Events CEO Tim Watsford said. “Barra were everywhere, but sadly the elusive $5,000 tagged barra refused to take the bait. A good time was had by all though, especially the winner of the Great Northern Breakaway fishing trip, which was worth more than $10,000. What better way to celebrate our partnership with Great Northern.”

“Million Dollar Fish is a great opportunity to get fishos up North, and what better brand to partner with than Great Northern, the taste of the North,” Matt Wright added.

If the bonus Charity Fish is caught by anyone registered for Million Dollar Fish, aged 18 or over, between now and 31 March 2021 (the end of Million Dollar Fish Season 6), the full $5,000 will go to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of the fisho’s choice. But the fisho is not forgotten – they’ll receive a remote fishing charter, courtesy of Barra Adventures, and a Million Dollar Fish merchandise pack.

There are still more than 100 tagged fish swimming around in Territory waterways, including seven with a $1 million prize tag.

Fisho counting lucky stars after hooking red tag

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Local fisho Carly Petherick has found herself $10,000 richer after bagging the eighth prize-tagged barra as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 6.

Caught using hand line, the 60cm barra was reeled in off the rocks near the Nightcliff Jetty not long after sunset on Monday night, after travelling an impressive 18km from where it was initially tagged in Middle Harbour.

Carly, a self-confessed mad-keen fisho, has been registering for Million Dollar Fish since Season 3, but never thought she would be lucky enough to hook onto a prize-tagged barra.

“I couldn’t believe it when I caught the red-tagged fish. I actually didn’t notice the tag for a start until my nieces pointed it out and then we couldn’t stop screaming and jumping around,” she said.

“We have been fishing near the Nightcliff Jetty for months and months, but only ever caught a catfish and a small cod – I’m still in shock I managed to hook a red-tagged barra there.

“I’m not too sure what I’ll spend the cash on yet, but will probably put some away for Christmas.”

There are still 93 $10,000 Million Dollar Fish Season 6 tagged barra out there in Territory waters, plus seven $1 million barra (once the first $1 million fish is caught, the remaining six turn into $10,000 fish) and four Double Tag Barra worth $10,000 to the lucky fisho and $5,000 to their friend.

In addition, there are 20 $5,000 charity fish waiting to be caught, with $2,500 going to the lucky fisho and $2,500 going to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of choice.

Season 6 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021.

You must be registered to claim your prize if you catch a tagged barra. Register at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Tips for land-based success

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Don’t have a boat but busting to get out and catch a red-tagged barra?

We had a chat with local fishing legend Hiro Nakamura who shared his land-based secrets for catching a barra around Darwin.

Where is your go-spot for land-based barra fishing?

The best place for land-based barramundi fishing near Darwin City is in saltwater. The rocky areas scattered along the shoreline are recommended. A crowd of oysters is a must on those rocks.

What are the best tides for catching a barra?

The best tide shifts with the best fishing point every hour. If the tide is running, there is a chance of catching a barramundi. However, the barramundi are less active at midday.

What equipment do you need when land-based fishing?

Spiked boots or felt soled shoes are preferable when walking on rocky ground to prevent slipping and falling and injuries, and gloves are also necessary to prevent serious injury to your hands from oysters if you fall.

Where is the best spot to target barra during the Wet Season?

After heavy rains, fishing for barramundi in the creeks is recommended.

Any other tips?

There are no absolutes in fishing, so if you don’t catch one today, you may catch one tomorrow.

Q&A with Blane Simmons from Frontier Fishing

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Blane Simmons is the owner and skipper of the ‘Swordfish’ a 65’ Royal Navy motor yacht. He has fished the world over and with more than 20 years’ experience fishing and running boats in the Territory has the knowledge to turn fishing trips into a lasting memory. We chatted to Blane to find out more.

Which fishing season is your favourite?

For me, it would be towards the end of the wet season, during the runoff. Having said that, anytime I can go fishing is a good time.

Where’s your favourite fishing spot in the Territory?

I don’t really have one. I enjoy my fishing and base my choices on where the fish are. This can vary from year to year, month to month, day to day. What was a great spot yesterday might be completely different today. I like variety in my fishing and so, yes, wherever the fish are that’s my spot.

Why do you think so many people come up to the Territory to chase barra?

The iconic barra is on every fisho’s bucket-list. They are probably eight to 10 species of fish that anglers across Australia and around the world want to reel in and barra are right there at the top. They’re a challenge and put up a good fight – a great fish to catch on your own merit with your own ability.

What’s your go-to fishing hack?

The more time you spend on the water, whether you’re land based or on a boat, the better chance you have of catching a fish. Don’t give up, either. That’s my advice.

What’s your most memorable catch?

I enjoy all the fish I catch. I don’t think in terms of my best catch or best day as it sets up too many expectations. The trick to having a memorable day fishing is heading out with an open mind.

What’s your bucket list fish?

That’s a hard one. I’ve been fishing and running boats in the Northern Territory for the past 20 years. I have also fished extensively in Africa, South America, Fiji, and remote areas in Papua New Guinea. If I had to choose, I’d say a Nile perch. It’s similar to a barra, but these beasts can grow up to 2m and weigh up to 200kg. The biggest a barra will grow to is 1.5m. Mind you if you hooked a barra that size you’d know about it.

What Million Dollar Fish product are you offering for Season 6?

With our tours clients can chase barra alongside light game, reef and pelagic species on a live-aboard fishing charter in remote Territory waters. These untouched areas are the stuff dreams are made of. Catch a Season 6 million-dollar tagged barra while you’re on one of our tours and you’re in with a chance to win a seven-day charter worth $5,950.

Why should people visit the NT during the Wet Season/Tropical Summer to catch barra? 

With the water temperatures rising over the summer months the barra love to bite. Another time to consider is after the monsoon rains in March– known locally as the runoff as the flooded rivers run off enormous wetlands into coastal creeks. It’s a sensational time for barra with lots of action but it can be hard to access some of these areas because of flooding and muddy roads.

What is the best time of day to catch barra? 

Some say early in the morning and late in the evening is best. But I wouldn’t stress over the time of day too much. Barra can be caught all day and all night, any time really.

Check out Frontier Fishing’s Million Dollar Fish tour here on our Fishing Experiences page.

Q&A with HeliFish Pub Crawl

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Darwin-based HeliFish has been operating in the Territory since 2008. HeliFish has a whopper of a deal where if you travel with them during Season 6 and catch a $10K Barra they’ll double your money with a bonus $10K! We chatted to HeliFish Pilot/Fishing Guide Shaun Wild to find out more.

Which fishing season is your favourite?

The run-off, probably no surprises there, but the activity stirred up by the sheer volume of water on the flood plains and in the estuaries turns fishing into catching most days. As a fishing guide having guests with tight lines all day makes this job very hard to beat.

Where’s your favourite fishing spot in the Territory?

My #1 pick would have to be Anson Bay. The remoteness of the area means we rarely see anyone else and the fish stocks are consistently high with great variety. More of our customers have reeled in their bucket-list “metery” in this area than anywhere else we visit. Fishing aside, the scenic flight out to Anson is often a real life Attenborough-style documentary unfolding before your eyes. There are days it must be one of the most spectacular landscape and wildlife displays in Australia. I’ve watched dingos chasing pigs, large herds of water buffalo, enormous crocodiles and sharks, all from the air, as well as brolgas and jabiru stalking prey in the wetlands and kites soaring on the thermals. Definitely do not forget your camera (and a spare memory card or two).

Why do you think so many people come up to the Territory to chase barra?

Territorians are renowned for their welcoming, laid-back nature. No-one is in a hurry. There’s always time for a chat plus the barra fishing just happens to be the best in Australia! The fishing options are endless and there is no shortage of quality operators keen to share their secret spots with you.

What’s your go-to fishing hack?

Don’t skimp on quality lure. My go to right now are Flat Shads and Live Mullet Lures from Zerek … woompa, you’re on!

What’s your most memorable catch?

Without a doubt the excitement of helping a customer land a tagged Million Dollar Fish barra. Spending the remainder of the day not knowing the value of the tag until we got back to civilisation was something none of us will forget in a hurry. Unfortunately, it was the one that got away! A $10K fish and 4 weeks past Season 5’s end date, but what an experience just the same and it certainly has the lads itching for Season 6 to arrive again.

What’s your bucket list fish?

The one with the million dollar tag in it, of course.

What Million Dollar Fish product are you offering for Season 6?

Travel with HeliFish during Season 6, catch a $10K Barra and we’ll double your money with a bonus $10K! Clients can either take a half-day or full-day HeliFish tour or a HeliFish-Pub Crawl Combo.

Why should people visit the NT during the Wet Season/Tropical Summer to catch barra? 

In the Wet Season, everything is so green and alive and the barra are out in numbers, you rarely miss out. Sure it’s hot, it’s sticky but there is literally an electricity in the air. It’s the greatest show on earth, watching and listening to a tropical storm roll by and enjoying a cold beer after a great day’s fishing.

Check out HeliFish’s Million Dollar Fish tour here on our Fishing Experiences page.

Inspire your great return to the great outdoors

Posted on by Isabella Hood

From where to hook the best barra, locations for a scenic beer or hidden coastal campsites, there’s a new map for adventurous fishos who want to make their next trip reely memorable.

If you’re looking for inspiration to explore the best fishing spots in the Northern Territory, our partners Great Northern Brewing Co have developed an interactive map as part of the Great Return campaign where you can choose your next adventure and plot your itinerary.

The map of top spots for fishing, camping and off-road experiences around Australia includes top tips from road-trippers who have explored locations, including Shady Camp and the Tiwi Islands. These are two of the five regions in Territory waterways where tagged MDF barra have been released.

Along with photos, the Great Return map also has links to local tourism websites about sites and activities on offer in regional communities.

You can even add your favourite spot and send a free personalised postcard to family or friends to inspire planning for their next fishing trip.

Throughout December, fishos will get 20 per cent off all apparel on the Great Northern merchandise store. Add what you like to the cart, type in the code MDF20 and bag your discount now.

Visit the merchandise store at greatnorthern.com.au/collections/all and see the planning map at map.thegreatreturn.com.au.

Book your barra bucket-list trip!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Searching for barradise? You need look no further than a four-night Helifishing and Helipub adventure around the Top End.

Whether you’re a first-time fisho or mad keen, fun and excitement are on the menu with a helicopter tour to some of the best local fishing spots and drinking holes to give you a true outback experience.

You can also get up close and personal with Tripod – one of Australia’s biggest crocs.

This bucket-list getaway, brought to you by our partner NT Now, offers a full day fishing charter around Darwin Harbour to maximise your fishing experience.

You’ll also be based at the Hilton Darwin which is the perfect place to explore the city’s shopping, restaurants and attractions.

The Million Dollar Fish Helifishing and Helipub Adventure is just one of several NT Now packages on offer with fishos getting more bang for their buck if they travel to the Territory before the MDF comp closes on 31 March 2021.

Visit ntnow to find out more and get your special deal of $200 off with every $1000 spent with the Northern Territory Summer Sale.

Marine Safety tips for fishos

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Territorians are lucky to operate recreational boats in the Top End and enjoy relaxing laid-back lifestyles.

However, fishos have duties and responsibilities to operate their boat safely and be prepared for emergencies at all times.

The best way to be truly relaxed is to be well prepared and have a plan in case of an emergency.

There are minimum requirements for safety equipment for all recreational boats, but having a few additional safety items is always helpful.

Basic tools, fuses, spare fuel line or joiners and the ever useful, multi-purpose cable ties and gaffa tape may help get you home safely.

Unlike being in a car, if you have an accident or break down in a boat, you can’t just pull over to the side and wait for assistance.

Many people like to fish at remote fishing destinations that are isolated and often do not have good communication coverage either by VHF radio or a standard mobile phone.

It is important that boat skippers have a communication plan, familiarise themselves with the safety equipment and have knowledge in correct use of all gear on board.

Our waterways can be dangerous and harsh if you’re unprepared; let people know where you are going, what you are planning to do and when you expect to be back.

The safety equipment on your vessel should be sufficient, meet the regulatory requirements, be in good condition and readily available for immediate use.

Northern Territory Water Police and Marine Safety Officers conduct frequent patrols at boat ramps and on the water.

Boating inspectors, including the police, have the ability to issue Marine Infringement Notices for failure to comply with the marine regulations.

Get the latest edition of the Safety Guide for Pleasure Craft from the Marine Safety Branch at www.marinesafety.nt.gov.au.

Enjoy safe boating! Does your boat pass the test?
  • Has the motor been serviced and are the batteries in good condition?
  • Do you know the safety equipment requirements for your boat?
  • Do you know how to use safety equipment and boat gear correctly?
  • Do you have a communication plan or a VHF radio or a satellite phone?
  • Have you informed your mate about your boat trip and expected time of return?
  • Are EPIRB and flares in date and not expired?
  • Is safety equipment easily accessible and readily available for use?
  • Are there lifejackets for all, including correct size lifejackets for kids?
  • Are lifejackets easily accessible and readily available to wear?
  • Is the gas cylinder for inflatable lifejackets serviced and in good condition?
  • Are you carrying spare fuel or prop?