Author: Isabella Hood

Last cast of the day sees local fisho cash in with $10k barra

Posted on by Isabella Hood

A Top End fishing trip with a mate from down south has seen Territorian Colin Carthew win $10,000. He cashed in after reeling in a red-tagged barra on the last cast of the day.

The two fishos wet a line near Talc Head at Woods Inlet on Friday, 25 November. Colin snagged the lucrative 62cm catch as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8. This was before swiftly making their way back to the Darwin Ski Club boat ramp to beat the tide.

The Darwin-based angler said it was s challenging fishing trip, but well and truly paid off in the end. “The tides weren’t very good but we decided to head out and try our luck. I couldn’t believe it when we got the fish on the last cast – we weren’t sure if it was worth $10,000 or a million,” he said.

“When we got back to the boat ramp at the museum there was no tide, so we had to unhitch the trailer and bounce the tinny over the rocks back onto the trailer, damaging the jockey wheel in the process. It took over an hour, but it was worth it for a red-tagged barra.”

A keen fisho, Colin said he’ll put the money towards purchasing new video camera equipment.

Season 8 prize money biggest in competition’s history

Widely known as Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish has already seen 15 anglers reel in prize-tagged barramundi as part of Season 8. Competition underwriter SportsBet has paid out a total of $160,000.

The amount of prize money up for grabs as part of Season 8 is the biggest in the history of the competition, with a whopping nine barramundi worth a million dollars now released in five fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, in addition to those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.

Eighty-five Season 8 $10,000 barra are still swimming around Top End waterways. 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. Colin gave his $1,000 to Cancer Council NT.

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said now is an ideal time to visit the Territory. It’s also an opportunity to explore the Top End’s world-class fishing regions for the opportunity to bag a red-tagged barramundi.

“The concept is simple,” he said. “Jump online, register for free and then wet a line for the chance to become a millionaire. Plus, you’ll also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win epic prizes and experiences from Million Dollar Fish partners,” he said.

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.

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

WA road trip made 10,000 times better with red-tag barra bonus!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Lucky fisho Leon Danicic found himself $10,000 better off with a red-tag barra bonus on a WA road trip.

Leon was enjoying a road trip from the Northern Territory to Western Australia with a mate. He was land-based fishing near the Vic River boat ramp when he hooked the 59cm catch. Born and bred in the Territory, Leon has fished for many years across the Top End. He said it was “unbelievable” he’d finally caught himself a red-tagged fish.

“I honestly thought I was hallucinating. I was already stoked about catching a barra, but my excitement had just gone to another level,” he said.

The Darwin-based fisho said he’ll put his winnings towards fuel, food and drinks while on a two-month road trip along the Western Australia coast with his mate Duncan O’Riley.

Last chance to bag a red-tag barra in Season 8

Million Dollar Fish has already seen 14 anglers reel in prize-tagged barramundi as part of Season 8. Competition underwriter SportsBet has paid out a total of $150,000.

The prize purse included in Season 8 is the largest ever, with nine fish worth a million dollars now released 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 86 $10,000 barra, with 14 caught so far. Every time a fisho catches a $10,000 barra, they can donate an extra $1,000 to the Million Dollar Fish charity of their choice. Leon chose Cancer Council NT.

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. The monthly prize pool 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.

Another day, another red-tagged Million Dollar Fish in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Australia’s richest fishing competition is in for a record-breaking season, with another $10,000 fish caught as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8 over the weekend.

A total of 11 red-tagged barramundi have been recaptured across the Top End with fishos sharing in a whopping $120,000 of prize money from competition underwriter SportsBet.

Territorian Yo Thu Yar is the latest fisho to find himself $10,000 richer. He reeled in his 55cm prize-tagged barramundi land-based fishing at Daly River Crossing. Mr Yar’s fish is the third red-tagged barramundi to have been caught at the Daly River Crossing this season. The keen angler said he plans to share most of his prize money with his grandmother.

Mr Yar said he’s been fishing for years and has caught lots of barra.

“I’ve fished at Daly River Crossing plenty of times and could not believe it when I pulled the fish out and saw the red tag.

“I’ve registered for every season of Million Dollar Fish, so it was great to finally catch one.

Fishos to nominate charity of choice

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. Mr Yar chose Shoreline, an organisation that provides education and employment opportunities to Indigenous students.

Shoreline Managing Director Jason Ryan said he was delighted that Shoreline was nominated as the charity of choice for the $1,000 donation.

“The donation will go directly towards creating opportunities for young Indigenous students to develop their skills and obtain marine certifications to become fishing guides,” he said.

There is still plenty of time to register for Million Dollar Fish and hook a red-tagged barramundi. Season 8 runs until 31 March 2023. Registered anglers can win up to $1 million in prize money, with 89 $10,000 barra still swimming around Top End waterways. In addition there are 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. Each season, red-tagged barramundi are released in five main fishing regions across the Top End including Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine.

Registrations is free, and allows anyone over the age of 18 to claim prize money from a red-tagged fish. Registered participants also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win fantastic prizes. These include holiday packages, fishing equipment, gift vouchers, camping gear and much more. For more info, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

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.

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.

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.

The search is back on for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

There’s never been a better time to wet a line in the Northern Territory, with Season 8 of the iconic fishing competition starting tomorrow.

Anglers from across Australia are encouraged to join the search for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish. They could become a millionaire by simply registering for free, fishing the NT, and catching a prize-tagged barramundi.

Million Dollar Fish is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. SportsBet underwrites the competition. Each season, prize-tagged barramundi are released across the five Top End fishing regions, including Darwin, Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

A total of nine barramundi worth $1 million have now been released (at least one in each region), including 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 value of the remaining eight changes to $10,000 each.

An additional 100 x $10,000 barra have been released, and whenever a $10,000 fish is caught, the fisho can donate an additional $1,000 to an official Million Dollar Fish Charity Partner. A whopping $10,000 will be given to a charity partner when a lucky fisho bags a Million Dollar Fish. Season 8 Charity Partners include Shoreline, Cancer Council NT, and the Darwin Star Ball, supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Season 8 shaping up to be the best

NTMEC Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said Season 8 is shaping up to be the best yet, with prime fishing conditions, strong registration numbers and more prize money up for grabs than ever before.

“Excitement is ramping up for Million Dollar Fish Season 8,” he said. “After a mammoth Season 7, we are gearing up for another big six months and can’t wait to award more lucky fishos with huge cash prizes.

“With our world-class fishing and incredible tourism experiences, the Territory is a must-do holiday destination for the whole family. Combined with the chance of banking a million bucks, now is the perfect time to book a holiday, register for Million Dollar Fish and explore all the Territory has to offer.”

Registering for Million Dollar Fish Season 8 means automatic inclusion in the Lucky Prize Pool, with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs, such as Top End holiday packages, Airnorth airfares, Engel fridge-freezers, Shimano fishing packs, Britz campervan getaways, Million Dollar Fish merchandise and more.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the latest instalment of Million Dollar Fish follows a record-breaking Season 7, which saw local and interstate anglers share a whopping $160,000 of prize money.

“We look forward to delivering another successful season, and wish all anglers the best of luck searching for Australia’s Most Wanted Fish!” he said.

To register for free or find out more, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Biggest Million Dollar Fish Season Wraps Up

Posted on by Isabella Hood

The Territory’s biggest Million Dollar Fish season wraps up today, with 16 anglers from across Australia sharing a record $160,000 of prize money.

Season 7 of the competition also resulted in $17,000 being donated to Million Dollar Fish’s official charity partners. SportsBet underwrites the competition.

While all Season 7 $10,000 barra cease to be valid after today, eight fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks remain active year-round until one is caught. Anglers must be registered for Season 7 by midnight tonight to claim prize money.

In addition, Sportsbet will pay $1,000 to any tagged barramundi caught during next week’s Girls Gone Fishin competition, as well as four other fishing competitions across the Territory.

This season’s Million Dollar Fish tag number has been released, with anglers encouraged to look out for the following code: S7-MDF7399.

The $1 million tag numbers from previous seasons include: S1-MDF1469, S2-MDF2656, S3-MDF3556, S4-MDF4540, S4-MDF4663, S5-MDF5501 and S6-MDF6474.

Charities reel in donations

Cancer Council NT received a cheque for $5,000. The money will go towards the Transport to Treatment program.

Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod said it was great to receive the donation as part of Season 7. “These funds have assisted to fund the fuel needed for our Transport to Treatment program and our nurse led clinics to provide counselling and support for patients,” she said.

Shoreline received a $4,000 donation. This will enable the Territory organisation to continue creating programs to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

Shoreline Patron Matthew Hayden AM congratulated all Season 7 winners. “A huge thank you on behalf of the Shoreline Foundation to all winners who generously chose us as their charity,” he said. “The donations will go directly towards maritime training for Top End Indigenous youth.”

The Darwin Star Ball, supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation, is the beneficiary of an $8,000 donation. This will help Starlight deliver its vital programs to sick kids in the Northern Territory.

Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO Louise Baxter said the team was so grateful to be a part of the extremely successful Million Dollar Fish season.

“Community support is needed now more than ever to help Starlight bring happiness to sick kids,” she said.

Successful Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said he couldn’t be happier to be giving away cheques to the three charities following an extremely successful season of Million Dollar Fish.

“This is the largest sum of money we’ve ever given away to charities in one season,” he said.

To register before Season 7 closes at 11:59pm on 31 March 2022, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Yet another fisho catches one of Australia’s Most Wanted!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Another lucky fisho has found himself $10,000 richer after landing a tagged fish as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7.

Ngukurr resident Bobby Nunggumajabarr caught his 69cm fishy fugitive at Roper Bar on Friday, 18 March. It was almost 2km from where it was initially tagged at Roper River.

Bobby is the 16th angler to land himself $10,000 after joining the hunt for Australia’s Most Wanted fish. A proud father of two girls, Bobby looks forward to spoiling his family and buying new fishing tackle with his prize money.

“I’ve been registering for Million Dollar Fish for years, and have been fishing everywhere trying to catch a red-tagged barra,” he said.

“I’m so excited to finally get one. It was actually my niece who first saw the tag, and then everyone ran over to check. I couldn’t stop jumping around when I found out!”

Season 7 smashes all records

Season 7 has smashed all records, with the most fish caught and money paid out. There are still six days to go before the end of the season on 31 March 2022. Bobby is one of five fishos who caught their tagged fish in the final month. Anyone who catches a $10,000 fish gets to donate an additional $1,000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. Bobby chose Shoreline, a Territory organisation that creates programs and pathways to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

NT Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said it’s been great to see so many fishos joining the hunt for Australia’s Most Wanted fish.

“The results speak for themselves,” he said. “The more you get out there fishing our pristine waterways, the more chances you have of bagging yourself a cash reward for simply enjoying yourself out on the water.”

“Bobby’s catch proves it’s never too late to try, so register before the end of Season 7 to ensure you can claim any winnings if you bag a tagged barra.”

Almost 100 tagged barra waiting to be caught

Million Dollar Fish is Australia’s richest fishing competition. Each year a number of tagged fish released across the Top End’s iconic fishing regions  – Darwin, Katherine, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Kakadu. Some are worth $10,000, while some carry a reward of a whopping million bucks. SportsBet underwrites the competition.

There are still almost 100 tagged barra waiting to be caught, including eight fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks. That includes the big one from Season 7, plus all the other seasons. The fish carrying tags worth $1 million remain active year-round, until one is caught, but you MUST be registered for Season 7 by 31 March 2022 to claim any prize money. The $10,000 fish cease to be active after the end of this month. Register now at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.