Author: Isabella Hood

Queenslander goes home $10,000 richer after bagging a barra in the Territory

Posted on by Isabella Hood

A Queensland angler is counting his lucky stars after reeling in a $10,000 barramundi in the Top End as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7. Known as Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish is underwritten by SportsBet.

Guy Gibson from Yeppoon hooked the 57cm barra while on a Dundee fishing charter with a group from around Australia. They had scored themselves a free trip to the Territory after winning a competition.

Australia’s most wanted fish

Guy is one of many fishos who have hit Territory waterways off the back of a new campaign called ‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’. It was launched to increase the chances of the Million Dollar Fish being caught.

Earlier this month, anglers were given the clue the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish was last seen in Darwin Harbour wearing a red tag. They have since been hitting the water in droves to track him down.

This was Guy’s first time visiting the Territory. He says he’ll put some of his winnings towards another Top End holiday to try his luck at uncovering the whereabouts of Australia’s Most Wanted Fish. He’ll also invest in some new fishing tackle.

“The dream was to land an elusive barra in the NT, so we were cheering to get one with a red tag in it. I was so excited, I think my legs were shaking for about half an hour after we landed it,” he said.

Everyone comes to the Top End to catch a barra

Emma Cartwright, owner of Dundee-based fishing charter, Anglers Choice Fishing Safaris, was glad the group could finally make it up to Darwin for their fishing trip. They had to delay the holiday several times over the past two years due to COVID restrictions.

“Everyone comes to the Top End to catch a barra, and Guy did just that, but with a red tag in it,” she said.

“They were so impressed at the diversity of fishing at Dundee, finishing the day with not only barramundi in the esky, but golden snapper, jewfish, blue bone and giant trevally.”

With every $10,000 fish caught, the angler has the opportunity to donate an additional $1,000 to a Million Dollar Fish affiliated charity of choice. Guy chose Shoreline, a Territory organisation that creates programs and pathways to sustainable careers for young Aboriginal Australians.

A bumper season for Million Dollar Fish

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said it’s been a bumper season for Million Dollar Fish, with 14 fishos winning cash right across the Territory.

“This has been our biggest season ever, and we hope to see even more anglers cash in before the end of March,” he said.

“We look forward to rolling out the welcome mat to more visitors like Guy and his mates, who travel to the Top End for our incredible tourism experiences and give a welcome boost to local businesses and the wider economy.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said he was thrilled to be awarding another interstate fisho a cheque for $10,000.

“It’s prime time to catch a barra in the Territory at the moment,” he said. “So I’d encourage everyone to register for Australia’s richest fishing competition and hit the water for the chance to find this fishy fugitive and take home a cash reward of $1 million.”

Fresh calls for more anglers

With the Million Dollar Fish still on the swim, authorities have made fresh calls for even more anglers to join search efforts to uncover the whereabouts of the head fishy fugitive. Seven of his scaly relatives also carry cash rewards of $1 million. Around 97 other Season 7 gang members are at large and carry a $10,000 reward.

Season 7 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. However, the eight million dollar tags remain active year-round. As soon as one of those eight fish is caught, the remaining seven turn into $10,000 fish that are only valid during the official season.

To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters you into the Lucky Prize Pool, which includes fantastic prizes such as a Great Northern Breakaway Trip, Anaconda vouchers, Engel goodies and Shimano Fishing Packs. Registrations close on 31 March 2022. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Big pay day for Top End fishos

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Two Top End fishos have snagged a $10,000 cash bonus each, after hitting the water in the hope of reeling in Australia’s Most Wanted Fish – the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish.

While they weren’t successful in trapping the lucrative red-tagged runaway worth a million bucks, the fishos managed to locate two of the boss barramundi’s $10,000 accomplices on Sunday.

Josh James of Acacia Hills landed a 90cm fishy suspect while out with family members on Adelaide River. He looks forward to purchasing his kids a couple of motorbikes with his winnings. He will donate his additional $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball.

“There was a fair bit of cheering and yahooing when we saw the red tag,” he said. “It’s a pretty cool concept, going fishing in the NT and getting cash for free. It’s so easy to sign up to Million Dollar Fish.”

Another Acacia Hills resident, Jarryd Price, also found himself with a red-tagged barra in his esky on Sunday. He was land-based fishing with a friend at Daly River using a handline when he bagged his 64cm suspect. It wasn’t until later on in the day, while cleaning and filleting the fish, that he noticed the red tag covered in algae. Jarryd has opted to give his additional $1,000 to Cancer Council NT.

“I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish for a few seasons now, but never really thought I’d be lucky enough to get a red-tagged fish,” he said.

Australia’s Most Wanted Fish campaign launched earlier this month

After the ‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’ campaign launched earlier this month, fishos have hit Top End waters in droves to track down the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish, who is still on the swim. Authorities have made fresh calls for the community to join in the search and catch the head fishy fugitive, along with seven of his scaly relatives who also carry cash rewards of $1 million. Around 98 other Season 7 gang members remain at large and are worth $10,000.

Tim Watsford, CEO of Northern Territory Major Events Company, organiser of Million Dollar Fish, said search efforts have stepped up a notch with just a few weeks left of Season 7.

“Through Australia’s Most Wanted Fish we are encouraging as many fishos as possible to register, experience our world-class fishing and hopefully bag the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish,” he said.

“There’s plenty of time to get involved, so wet a line in the Top End today for your chance to become a million bucks richer.”

$1 million fish was last seen wearing a red tag in Darwin Harbour

Fishos are reminded the Season 7 $1 million fish was last seen wearing a red tag in Darwin Harbour, and to register their details for free before wetting a line. If you aren’t registered, you cannot claim the cash reward if you land a red-tagged runaway.

‘Australia’s Most Wanted Fish’ is part of the Million Dollar Fish competition, underwritten by SportsBet. The eight fish carrying a $1 million reward can be caught year-round, but you MUST be registered by 31 March 2022 to claim the cash. The $10,000 fish are only active until 31 March 2022, the end of Season 7. Once the first Million Dollar Fish is caught, cash rewards for the remaining seven head fugitives decrease to $10,000 each until the end of March, or become null and void if the Big One is caught between April and September.

Territorian reels in first red tag from Stokes Hill Wharf

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Territorian Anthony Patsalou is celebrating a little harder than usual this festive season, after reeling in a $10,000 barra from Stokes Hill Wharf as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7. Underwritten by SportsBet, Million Dollar Fish is Australia’s richest fishing competition.

The lucky fisho decided to wet a line off the wharf after dinner when he caught the lucrative 67cm barra on 21 December.

“I was absolutely stoked when I reeled in the red tag, I actually started crying – I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Now $10,000 better off, the Karama resident said he looks forward to spoiling his family for Christmas, paying off a few bills and enjoying a holiday with his winnings.

This red-tagged barra is not the first Anthony has caught, after bagging a $10,000 fish at Adelaide River in November of 2018 during Season 4. The latest prize-tagged fish is also the first ever caught off Stokes Hill Wharf in the history of Million Dollar Fish.

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford congratulated the latest winner Anthony Patsalou on his lucrative catch.

“It’s great to see another prize-tagged barramundi reeled in as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7,” he said.

“With more than three months left in Season 7, now is the time to wet a line and explore our world-class fishing destinations across the Top End.”

For every $10,000 fish caught, the winning fisho can donate $1,000 to the official Million Dollar Fish charity of their choice. Anthony chose Shoreline, a NT organisation that cultivates educational programs and employment pathways to create sustainable careers for young Indigenous Australians.

Shoreline Managing Director Jason Ryan thanked Anthony for choosing Shoreline.

“The donation will contribute to formal maritime training for Top End Indigenous students creating greater work opportunities and adding value to a dynamic NT tourism industry,” he said.

With more than three months left in Season 7, there is still plenty of time to hit the water for the chance to catch a prize-tagged fish.

There are over one hundred $10,000 fish swimming around Top End waterways, and eight barra worth $1 million up for grabs.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said there was never a better time to go fishing in the NT.

“We can’t wait to award more lucky fishos with cash prizes, so get out in the boat or head out land-based fishing for the chance to catch the Million Dollar Fish,” he said.

To be in with a chance to win, simply head to www.milliondollarfish.com.au and register for free.

Red-tag barra bonanza in lead up to very merry Fishmas!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

It’s raining fish in the Top End, with yet another prize-tagged barramundi reeled in as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 7.

The latest fisho to win big is Territorian Steven Coulton, who reeled in the lucrative catch at Wagait Beach on 6 December.

Caught off the bank of his front yard, the Wagait Beach resident was pleased to find himself $10,000 richer. He plans to split the cash with his mate Andrew Bates who was with him when he hooked the lucky catch.

It wasn’t until the pair were filleting their 75cm barra that they realised the fish had a red tag in it. Now with an extra $5,000 in each of their pockets, the lucky duo say they’ll spend their winnings on new fishing tackle and paying off some bills.

“We sort of looked for a tag initially but we were looking in the wrong spot. It wasn’t until we were filleting the fish and started cutting down the backbone when we realised it had a red tag in it,” Steven said.

“It was pretty crazy, we had a couple of cordials on the beach to celebrate. Very exciting!”

As part of Season 7, every $10,000 fish caught is worth $1,000 extra to one of the Million Dollar Fish official charity partners. Steven chose Cancer Council NT. Once the Million Dollar Fish is caught, an additional $10,000 will be given to a Million Dollar Fish official charity partner.

Cancer Council NT Chief Executive Officer Tanya Izod said it was “fantastic” to see Territorians supporting such a great cause.

“This donation will go directly to funding our nurse-led cancer clinics to provide nursing support to cancer patients. It’s wonderful to have such support for Territory cancer patients,” she said.

The chances of becoming a millionaire, or even $10,000 better off, have never been higher. Still swimming around in Territory waterways for Season 7 are 104 prize-tagged barra worth $10,000 and eight fish worth a cool $1 million.

NT Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford said it was great to see so many anglers cashing in through Season 7.

“We are already up to our eighth red tag and, with the current Wet Season conditions conducive to barra fishing, we’re likely to see plenty more fishos hook onto prize-tagged barra before the end of March,” he said.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said fishos are well and truly “beating the bookie” this season.

“SportsBet is proud to support Australia’s richest fishing competition knowing the huge benefits Million Dollar Fish brings to the region. Just last month an additional 12 barra worth $10,000 were released into the Darwin region by the big man in red,” he said.

“There are still 11 of the beauties swimming around Top End waterways, so get out there for the chance to reel some Christmas cash!”

Million Dollar Fish Season 7 finishes on 31 March next year, meaning there’s plenty of time to push the boat out or explore the Territory’s land-based fishing locations.

Remember, all fishos must be registered to claim a prize-tagged fish.

Registering is free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au and you also go into the monthly draw to win great prizes.

It just got reel – Season 7 now open!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Million Dollar Fish Season 7 is officially open, meaning there’s never been a better time to wet a line in the Northern Territory.

Australia’s richest fishing competition lures in anglers from all over Australia with the hope of hooking a prize-tagged barra across five main fishing regions; Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

Million Dollar Fish Season 7, underwritten by SportsBet and supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Season 7 has the biggest purse of prize money in the history of the competition, with eight red-tagged Million Dollar Fish (the big one from Season 7, plus the Million Dollar Fish from all previous seasons, which are still active). Over the course of the competition, a Million Dollar Fish has now been released in each of the five fishing regions. For Season 7, one hundred barra worth $10,000 have also been released across the Top End.

Each time a registered angler hooks a $10,000 fish, an additional $1,000 will be donated to a Million Dollar Fish Season 7 Official Charity Partner. One of the Official Charity Partners will also receive $10,000 once the Million Dollar Fish is caught.

NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said Season 7 promised to be another blockbuster six months.

“Season 7 is shaping up to be a big one, following a very successful Season 6 that saw 11 prize-tagged barra caught across the Top End and $115,000 paid out to local and interstate anglers,” he said.

“Winning huge cash prizes has never been easier; simply register for free and experience our world-class fishing for the chance to bag a Season 7 red-tagged barra.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning hoped Season 7 would be a game-changer for one lucky registered fisho.

“With eight active Million Dollar Fish and ideal conditions for fishing, the chances of hooking the big one have never been higher,” he said.

“I can’t wait to see local and interstate anglers cash in over the next six months, and look forward to awarding bank cheques to our official charity partners as part of Season 7.”

By simply registering for Million Dollar Fish, participants automatically go into the Lucky Prize Pool for the chance to win a swag of great prizes every month. They include Shimano fishing combos, Britz campervan getaways, Engel fridges and freezers, a Great Northern Tiwi Island Breakaway, Anaconda vouchers, Top End fishing holidays and experiences, and much more.

An exciting bonus will also be revealed for registered fishos during Season 7, with more details to be released soon. For more information or to register for free, head to www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Regos open for Australia’s richest fishing competition

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Registrations are open for Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish. Season 7 starts on 1 October 2021, but you can register now for free.

The competition runs until 31 March 2022, and offers anglers the opportunity to catch a barra worth a million bucks.

Any fisho can reel in the mill, and there are eight barra worth a million dollars and 100 tagged barra worth $10,000 swimming around Top End waterways.

Million Dollar Fish is run by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government, and underwritten by SportsBet.

NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the purse of prize money for Season 7 is bigger than ever. Last season fishos hooked fish worth $115,000.

“This is the biggest pool of prize money in the history of the competition, so there are even more reasons to get out on the water in the beautiful Northern Territory,” he said.

“In addition, every time a $10,000 barra is caught the lucky fisho can donate an additional $1,000 to a Million Dollar Fish Season 7 Official Charity Partner. If someone catches a Million Dollar Fish, they can donate an additional $10,000 to an Official Charity Partner.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said fish are released in multiple locations.

“We release fish right across the Territory, from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine, so there are plenty of opportunities to turn your catch into cash,” he said.

“There’s more $1 million tagged fish out there than ever before, so get out there and wet a line across the Top End come 1 October. Who knows, one cast could change your life!”

Once any of the eight Million Dollar Fish are caught, the remaining seven revert to $10,000 fish.

The $1 million tag numbers you want to find in your lucky catch include:
• S1-MDF1469
• S2-MDF2656
• S3-MDF3556
• S4-MDF4540
• S4-MDF4663
• S5-MDF5501
• S6-MDF6474

The tag number of the eighth Million Dollar Fish will be revealed in due course.

Following a huge uptake in Season 6, the official Million Dollar fish shirt is back with a fresh design. The fishing shirts have become a collector’s item for registered fishos each season, who can buy the latest shirt for just $55. In addition, fishos can snag themselves other Million Dollar Fish merchandise including stubby coolers and buffs at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

You don’t have to be a pro fisho to win with Million Dollar Fish. By simply registering you could walk away with fantastic prizes as part of the Lucky Prize Pool drawn every month. More than $61,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, such as a Great Northern Tiwi Island Breakaway, Shimano fishing combos, Anaconda vouchers, Britz campervan getaways, Engel fridges and freezers, and Top End fishing holidays and experiences.

First held in 2015, Million Dollar Fish has lured anglers to the Territory from all over Australia and the world. Dozens of fishos have cashed in through the competition, but no one has caught the elusive Million Dollar Fish yet.

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

NT reaps rewards from Million Dollar Fish Season 6

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Australia’s richest fishing competition keeps going from strength to strength, with the latest season of Million Dollar Fish delivering incredible results for the Territory and its economy, new figures show.

According to research, Season 6 of Million Dollar Fish generated an economic benefit (new money) of $11 million to the Top End, and an economic stimulus of $41.3 million for the Territory. Close to 29,000 people registered for Season 6, with almost 25,000 fishos actively participating in the competition.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said the company was thrilled to be the naming rights sponsor of an initiative that is delivering so many benefits to the Territory.

“It is fantastic these impressive results have been confirmed as we are busy preparing for Season 7 to be another bumper year, both for fishos out on the water trying to catch a tagged barra, and for the Territory as businesses reap the benefits of so many people signing up for this unique competition,” he said.

The largest contingent of people visiting the NT from interstate for Million Dollar Fish were from Queensland, followed by New South Wales. A total of 20,289 visitor nights were generated by visitors from outside the Territory.

In addition, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) for Season 6 was 72 per cent, with participation satisfaction coming in at 4.4 out of 5. More than 69 per cent of Season 6 visitors to the Territory indicated they are very likely to return for the next season of the competition.

Million Dollar Fish Season 7 returns on 1 October 2021 and will run until 31 March 2022. Registrations will open on 1 September 2021. For more information, head to www.milliondollarfish.com.au or follow Million Dollar Fish on social media.

Fishos win big through Season 6

Posted on by Isabella Hood

The latest season of Million Dollar Fish has come to a close, following a successful six months that saw local and interstate fishos cash in through the competition.

Between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021, anglers caught 11 prize-tagged fish across the Top End, with competition underwriter SportsBet paying out $115,000 in prize money.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said the company was thrilled to come on board as the naming rights sponsor and partner with Australia’s richest fishing competition for Season 6.

“Over the past six months we’ve seen a wide demographic of fishos take home huge cash prizes and registered participants of all ages win great prizes each month as part of the Lucky Prize Pool,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate all winners of Season 6 and look forward to Million Dollar Fish returning for Season 7 in October this year.”

Fishos caught tagged barra at a range of iconic Top End fishing destinations, including Adelaide River, Darwin Harbour, Bridge Lagoon, Daly River, Finniss River and Kakadu. Holidays, home renovations, furniture, fishing equipment, a buck’s night and a lawn mower are just some of the things fishos spent their winnings on. Prize-tagged fish were caught in a range of ways, including by handline and from the shore, proving fishos do not need a boat or high-end fishing equipment to become a Million Dollar Fish winner.  One even fought off a crocodile to reel in his lucrative catch!

Both local and interstate fishos cashed in as part of Season 6, with 44 prizes drawn as part of the Lucky Prize Pool. Collectively worth $44,000, the prizes included fishing trips to the NT, Anaconda vouchers, Engel fridge/freezers, Shimano fishing packs and more.

Season 6 attracted almost 29,000 registrations, compared to 21,312 last year. New additions to the competition for Season 6 included the official Million Dollar Fish shirt made by Darwin’s very own Big Fish Gear. The new threads were embraced by local and interstate anglers alike, with almost 800 shirts sold throughout Season 6.

This season also saw the introduction of the new Double Tag Barra, which awarded $10,000 to the fisho, plus $5,000 to a mate of their choice. An interstate fisho and his mate were the first to hook onto a Double Tag Barra and take home $15,000 as part of Season 6. The March Madness initiative spiced things up further, and put $20,000 in the pockets of a local fisho after he caught the first tagged fish in March.

Although Season 6 has ended, fishos are reminded all seven $1 million tagged fish remain active year-round. If you catch a red-tagged barra call 1800 077 001 and quote the unique code. To claim the prize money you must have registered for Season 6 by 31 March 2021.

The Season 6 $1 million tag number to look out for is:

  • S6-MDF6474

Million Dollar Fish returns later this year, with Season 7 kicking off on 1 October 2021. For more information, head to www.milliondollarfish.com.au and follow Australia’s richest fishing competition on social media for all the latest updates.

Engel freezer the ultimate accessory for fishos

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Gone are the days when you and a few fisho mates would head out on a fishing trip lugging 10kg bags of ice around just to keep the bait, beers and barra cool.

These days portable freezers are all the go, especially on weekends away. There’s no bashing ice into smithereens, no soupy water and fish-gut mix to navigate at the end of the day, and you can be certain your catch is kept at the perfect temperature.

Isn’t it time you got on board and treated yourself to an Engel fridge/freezer?

Built by Japanese company Sawafuji Electric from the toughest components, Engels use the legendary Sawafuji swing motor with only one moving part that self-lubricates. This gives them unreel bragging rights.

Engels don’t need much energy to work, with power consumption around 40 per cent less than a traditional compressor. The quality insulation guarantees a worry-free experience on the road or in a boat and they work at up to a 30-degree angle without losing efficiency.

If you thought the Engel was a fairly new invention. Think again. These guys have had a license to chill since 1962.

Treat yourself to an Engel today, and when you lure in that elusive barra on your next Territory fishing trip you can keep it in the conditions such a trophy deserves.

To find your nearest Engel dealer and more information on the entire Engel range, including premium iceboxes and accessories, visit www.engelaustralia.com.au

Get out there and get lost with Engel.

Q&A with Barra or Blue Fishing Charters

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Lincoln Kirby set up Barra or Blue Fishing Charters three years ago, drawing on his extensive knowledge as a fishing guide to share his passion with anyone ready to throw a line. We chatted to Lincoln to find out more.

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

Barra are more active at this time. During the dry season they are a bit docile, but once the water temperature warms up they fire up a lot more, and you have a better chance of reeling in a fish.

Is this your favourite fishing season?

The run off between March and April is my favourite time. The weather’s good and the fish are biting, with lots of action around the mouths of creeks inside the rivers.

What’s your top fishing spot in the NT?

It would have to be Dundee Beach, about 59km southwest of Darwin. There’s so much variety. You can be out on a boat in the morning chasing barra and in the afternoon go for sail fish and red emperor. You can pretty much catch everything there.

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

They’re such an iconic fish. They fight hard, and are not easy to catch. Barra are a challenge and people like a challenge. Down south, catching a whiting or flathead is the staple fish, whereas up here we have barra. Barra would be the Number 1 sporting fish in the Northern Territory and Australia-wide.

What’s your go-to fishing hack?

Have a good time. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, you’ll catch something. Having the right attitude attracts the fish. Works every time.

What’s a top tip for someone fishing for barra in the NT for the first time?

Go with a guide. Instead of spending days and weeks on the water trying to find where all the barra are, go with someone who knows about all the good spots. That way you can relax and use your time to do what you’ve come to the Northern Territory for – catching a prized barra, especially a million dollar one.

Any tips for lures?

We have a term called matching the hatch. Basically, it means you need to match your style of lure to the size, colour, and shape of a barra’s current natural prey, to mimic what they are feeding on that day. If the barra are eating small bait fish we run smaller plastics. If they’re eating bigger mullet we run big, hard-body lures. If you match the hatch, your chances of bagging a barra increase greatly.

What’s your most memorable catch?

A 110cm caught on a lure at Shady Camp as the sun was going down on a 60-fish day. It was an epic day finished off with an epic fish. Outside of the Territory, it was an 80kg striped marlin caught in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. As the second fastest fish in the world, it was one of the most exciting and toughest challenges of my fishing life.

What’s your bucket-list fish?

It’d have to be the Papuan Black Bass. I nearly made it to Papua New Guinea this year on a trip, but couldn’t go due to COVID-19 restrictions.