Month: October 2022

Two more strikes on the red-tag tally!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Two more fishos are counting their lucky stars after reeling in red-tagged barramundi as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8.

This brings the total number of tagged fish caught in the latest season of Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet, to 10, with fishos sharing $110,000.

The two most recent fish were both bagged in the beautiful Mary River system. Tumbling Waters resident Shane Leo caught fish number 9 at Corroboree Billabong. The Mary River wetlands beauty spot is teeming with wildlife, including his 60cm barra sporting a red tag!

Shane said he was out fishing with his son Jack when he reeled in the lucrative catch. “I’ve registered at least twice for Million Dollar Fish and it was great to finally catch a winning barra. Now I’m going after the big one!”

Paul Fitzgerald from Gunn, Palmerston, caught fish number 10. He bagged his 66cm winning barra at Hardies Lagoon, just a short drive from Corroboree Billabong. Paul’s fish is the second Season 8 $10,000 barra to be caught at Hardies.

Fisho almost threw the barra back

Paul was fishing with his mate Andrew Bond, and almost threw the barra back after he caught it. “We only kept it because it was a clean fish and would make good eating. That’s when we saw the red tag. There were a roller coaster of emotions I can tell you,” he said.

Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an additional $1,000 is given to an official Million Dollar Fish charity of the fisho’s choice. Shane chose Cancer Council NT, while Paul chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said it was great to see so many red-tagged fish caught as part of Season 8.

“Million Dollar Fish keeps delivering for the Territory, not only for those who are lucky enough to catch a tagged barra, but also in terms of what fishos spend with local businesses when they go fishing, which supports our economy,” he said.

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 runs until 31 March 2023. There are still 90 $10,000 waiting to be caught, plus nine fish worth a million bucks. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons, which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine.

To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, or fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, anglers must be registered for Season 8. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

And they keep on coming… another two tagged fish caught

Posted on by Erin

Australia’s richest fishing competition continues to live up to its name, with two more $10,000 tagged fish caught. The record-breaking Season 8 only began on 1 October 2022, and eight fishos are already sharing $90,000 worth of prize money.

Komang Budiana, of McMinns Lagoon in Darwin, caught the seventh fish on 19 October. He bagged his winning barra at Stokes Hill Wharf.

“I caught the fish using live bait and was about to go home when I caught it,” Komang said.

“There were a few people watching on the wharf as I reeled it in and everyone was freaking out!

Komang, who got into fishing during COVID, has become something of a barra addict. “Whether it’s really hot or raining, I’ll still go fishing,” he said. “I’m saving up to get my younger brother over to Australia from Bali to study, so I’ll use my winnings for that.”

Victorian angler catches red-tagged barra on last day in Darwin

Victorian angler Ranae Eels caught fish number eight on the same day in Bynoe Harbour while on a fishing charter with Barramundi Adventures. The Victorian resident was celebrating her last day in Darwin with a day on the water before heading home.

“I can’t believe I caught a red-tagged barra on my last day in Darwin,” said Ranae, from Ballarat. “I’ll probably put the cash towards a boat and maybe a dog. We’ve been travelling around Australia and will head back home to Ballarat for Christmas, but we’ll be back in the Territory next year to try and catch another tagged fish.”

Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an additional $1,000 is given to an official Million Dollar Fish charity of the fisho’s choice. Komang and Ranae both chose Cancer Council NT.

There are still 92 $10,000 barramundi swimming around Territory waterways, in addition to nine fish worth a million dollars. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons, which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Kakadu.

Another two $10,000 red-tagged barra in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Fishos all over the Top End are winning big through Million Dollar Fish Season 8. Six registered anglers have won $70,000 worth of prize money in less than three weeks of the competition. An additional $7,000 has been paid out to official Million Dollar Fish charity partners.

The two latest fishos to win big were Territorians Rory Laidlaw-Hall and Jack Daly. SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish.

Mad keen fisho Rory Laidlaw-Hall of Malak found himself $10,000 richer after snagging a red-tagged barramundi at Mary River Bridge Lagoon on Monday, 17 October. Rory first spotted the red tag as he was reeling the fish in towards the boat, and quickly secured his lucrative catch.

He said he’ll use his prize money to fix his car’s air-conditioning and buy some new fishing gear. “I’ve been registering for Million Dollar Fish the last three years, but didn’t ever think I was lucky enough to get one,” he said. “My breathing definitely picked up when I spotted the red tag. It was just me in the boat and I was worried I’d lose the barra before I netted him.”

Lucky angler pockets $10,000

The other lucky angler to pocket $10,000 was Daly River’s Jack Daly. Jack was fortunate enough to find a red-tagged barramundi on the end of his line when he was fishing at the Daly River Crossing. “I wasn’t too sure about the red tag – I had to double check it to make sure it was real,” he said.

“My son and a friend were with me when I caught the fish. We were all dancing around on the sand!”

An avid fisho, Jack said he plans to spend the money on his family and home renovations. Luck seems to run in Jack’s family. His nephew Darryl McLeod also bagging a red-tagged barramundi at Daly River Crossing on Friday, 14 October. Darryl’s partner Kaitlyn Ahfat caught a red-tagged fish at the same location in Season 6.

Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an extra $1,000 is given to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Rory decided to give his cash to Cancer Council NT, while Jack opted to donate his $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Million Dollar Fish reels in benefits for the Territory

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy Million Dollar Fish is a fantastic initiative. He said the competition creates many valuable benefits for the Territory from a social and economic perspective.

“It also puts the Territory on the national stage, inspiring even more visitors to make their way to the Top End for our world-class fishing and incredible tourism experiences,” he said. “At this rate, we’re in for another record-breaking season of Million Dollar Fish. We look forward to seeing more fishos win big before the end of March next year.”

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 kicked off on 1 October 2022, and runs until 31 March 2023. There are still 94 $10,000 barramundi swimming around Territory waterways, in addition to nine fish worth a million dollars. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Kakadu.

To claim any prize money, or fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, anglers register for Season 8. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Fishos continue to cash in with red-tagged fish frenzy

Posted on by Erin

It’s raining red-tagged fish in the Top End, with two more prize-tagged barramundi reeled in during Season 8.

Daly River’s Darryl McLeod hooked his 76cm barra while land-based fishing at the Daly River Crossing on Thursday, 13 October. Worth a cool $10,000, Darryl plans to put the cash towards a boat. Luck seems to be on Darryl’s side. He bagged a $10,000 barra last season as well. His partner Kaitlyn Ahfat is also a winner, having reeled in her $10,000 catch back in Season 6. All three tagged fish were caught at Daly River Crossing.

“I was so happy and excited when I saw the red tag,” Darryl said. “I’m going to put the cash towards a new boat and hopefully go catch the Million Dollar Fish!”

Darryl’s was the third fish caught in Season 8. It was closely followed by fish number four, caught by Kurt Williamson of Dundee Beach. He hooked himself a 56cm, $10,000 barramundi in Bynoe Harbour on Friday, 14 October.

Kurt, a self-confessed barra addict, said he plans on putting his money away for Christmas time. A professional fishing guide, Kurt was stoked to finally get his own red tag in the bag. He’d witnessed one of his Queensland-based clients reel in a Season 7 $10,000 fish in March earlier this year.

“I’ve been trying to catch a red tag for years,” Kurt said. “I’ve always registered for Million Dollar Fish but never thought I’d catch one. I was very surprised when I saw the tag. I’m not too sure what I’ll put the money towards yet, but it’s a nice little bonus in time for Christmas.”

Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an extra $1,000 is given to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Darryl decided to give his cash to Cancer Council NT, while Kurt opted to donate his $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish.

 

Big pay day for Territorian in Australia’s richest fishing competition

Posted on by Isabella Hood

It was a big pay day for local fisho Nicole Soltesz. The Territorian reeled in a cool $20,000 after hooking a Million Dollar Fish Season 8 red-tagged barramundi.

Carrying a $10,000 red tag, the fish was worth double the money as part of a National Gone Fishing Day promotion, with competition underwriter SportsBet pledging to ‘Double the Dough’ for any fish caught on Sunday, 9 October.

Nicole was out fishing with mates at Hardies Lagoon when she snagged the 62cm prize-tagged fish – her first ever barramundi! The Darwin fisho said she’d put some of the winnings towards a holiday, and the rest away in a savings account for now.

“I don’t go fishing very often so definitely wasn’t expecting it. It was a big surprise, we all looked at each other in shock when we saw the red tag,” she said.

There has never been a better time to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and wet a line in the Territory, with prize-tagged fish swimming in waterways across the Top End.

Season 8 off to a strong start

NTMEC Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said Season 8 was off to a strong start. “It’s certainly an exciting time in the Territory with excellent fishing conditions,” he said. “There are more chances to catch the Million Dollar Fish and an incredible offering of tourism experiences the whole family will love.”

The amount of cash up for grabs as part of Season 8 is the largest ever. Nine fish worth a million dollars are in five fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, as well as those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.

Registered anglers also have the chance to bag one of the remaining 98 $10,000 barra, with two caught so far. Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an extra $1,000 is donated to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the lucky angler. SportsBet doubled the charity money for this fish, and Nicole decided to give the $2,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Darwin Star Ball Committee Chairman Justin Coleman said he was very thankful to Nicole Soltesz and all those involved with Million Dollar Fish Season 8.

“Starlight provides vital hospital programs in the Northern Territory for our sick kids,” he said. “Only with the help of the local community can we continue to bring the gift of joy, fun and laughter, helping to create brighter and healthier futures for our kids, families and communities.”

Odds in fisho’s favour for Australia’s richest fishing competition

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the odds are definitely in the fisho’s favour for Season 8. He said there are more red-tagged Million Dollar Fish out there than ever before.

“It’s prime time for barra fishing at the moment,” he said. “So I’d encourage as many people as possible to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and explore our world-class fishing regions for the chance to score a million bucks!”

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 opened on 1 October 2022 and runs through until 31 March 2023. To be eligible for any prize money, anglers must have registered for Season 8. By doing so, participants go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool. This includes thousands of dollars’ worth of incredible prizes such as holidays, flights, and fishing and camping equipment.

For more info and to register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

 

Catch a red-tagged barra tomorrow and double the dough!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

The chances of taking home a stash of cash this weekend are higher than ever. Catch a Season 8 $10,000 red-tagged barra tomorrow and you’ll double the dough.

Million Dollar Fish underwriter SportsBet is doubling the dough for any angler who snags a prize catch. The one-day-only campaign celebrates National Gone Fishing Day and everything great about angling. We’re encouraging Territorians and visitors to explore the Top End’s world-class fishing regions for the chance to hook a red-tagged barramundi, and turn their $10,000 prized catch into a $20,000 loot.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said he looked forward to handing out a big cheque very soon.

“Registering is quick, easy and free, and by doing so, you might find yourself a million dollars better off,” he said.

Territory fishing regions include Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. The chances of reeling in a prize-tagged barramundi have never been better with nine barramundi worth $1 million now released. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus those from previous seasons. All are still eligible to be caught. Once one of the nine is caught, the remaining eight become $10,000 fish.

Anglers must be registered for Season 8 to claim any cash. By registering for free, they also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. To find out more and register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

First red tag in the bag for Million Dollar Fish Season 8

Posted on by Erin

Territorian Sharna Brennan has found herself $10,000 richer after reeling in the first red-tagged barramundi as part of Season 8.

The keen fisho reeled in the 90cm prize-tagged barra at Manton Dam on Thursday, 6 October. Sharna says she’ll put the money away for a rainy day, but admits the winnings will likely be spent on new fishing equipment eventually.

Luck seems to run in Sharna’s family, with her husband catching the first ever $10,000 fish of Million Dollar Fish back in Season 1. He reeled in his prize-tagged barra from Darwin Harbour.

“It was very exciting – we saw the red tag as we were netting it,” Sharna said. “There were a few screams, that’s for sure! We’ll put the money away in a bank account for now, but it will probably end up going on some new fishing equipment.”

Prize purse biggest yet

This season’s prize purse is the biggest yet, with nine barra worth a million bucks each now released in Top End waterways. This includes the one from Season 8, and those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught. There are also 99 $10,000 barra waiting to be caught by registered anglers.  SportsBet supports Million Dollar Fish.

Fishos donate and extra $1,000 to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charity partners for every $10,000 fish caught. Sharna chose Cancer Council NT.

“At Cancer Council NT we know that screening and early diagnosis saves lives,” said Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod. “This donation will go directly to funding our new cervical cancer screening clinics. They provide screening and cancer prevention training to women across the Northern Territory.

“A huge thank you to Million Dollar Fish for supporting Cancer Council NT again this year and the best of luck to all our fishermen and women out there.”

Season 8 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023. Fishos must register for Season 8 to claim any prize money from a tagged fish. This also automatically enters you into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, which includes thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes, including holidays, flights, and fishing and camping gear. Register now for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.