Category: General

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.

Catch Australia’s Most Wanted for $1 Million Reward

Posted on by Erin

A cash reward of $1 million is being offered to the individual who can bring in Australia’s Most Wanted Fish, currently at large in Northern Territory waters.

Part of a barramundi gang widely known as the ‘Million Dollar Fish Red-Tag Crew’, authorities are calling on anglers around the country to help locate the head fishy fugitive, known as the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish. Authorities are also on the hunt for seven of his scaly relatives, who carry cash rewards of $1 million. Around 100 other Season 7 gang members on the swim carry a $10,000 reward.

A campaign dubbed ‘Australia’s Most Wanted’ has been launched to help raise awareness and increase the odds for those on the hunt for the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish. The slippery suspect was last seen in Darwin Harbour wearing a red tag, as reported by key eyewitnesses.

Fishos willing to join the hunt need to register for Million Dollar Fish for free before hitting the water in order to claim their cash reward, should they catch the Ones That Keep Getting Away. Registrations close on 31 March 2022.

The fish hunt is part of the Million Dollar Fish competition, delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and underwritten by SportsBet. NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the tagged barramundi have been at large for some time.

“These tagged barra have evaded capture so far, but the fishos are closing in,” Mr Watsford said. “We’ve had 11 $10,000 fish caught as part of Season 7 of the competition, and it’s only a matter of time before one of the Big Ones takes the bait. Any angler keen on bragging rights should have a go at catching Australia’s Most Wanted Fish. And there is no better location to try than the Territory’s pristine waterways.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said the more people get out on the water, the greater their chance of bagging the reward money.

“We’re calling on as many people as possible to join the search by simply registering before the end of March and hitting the water to find this fishy fugitive,” Mr Fanning said. “Eyewitness reports suggest the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish red-tagged runaway may be in the Darwin Harbour region, which is why we are focusing our search efforts on this particular region. Should anyone hook Australia’s most wanted fish, contact us immediately to claim your $1 million cash reward.”

The eight fish carrying a $1 million reward can be caught year-round, but anglers 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 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.

Register now. 

Iconic Territory fishing spot delivers $10,000 for fisho

Posted on by Erin

Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, continues to deliver, with James Quinn the latest lucky angler to reel in $10,000 by catching a tagged fish as part of Season 7. James caught his barra at Cahills Crossing, the point where Kakadu and Arnhem Land meet. It is an iconic Territory spot and world famous thanks to the large number of crocodiles that gather there to feed on barra. James lives in Gunbalanya, where he works for AFL NT. He was land-based fishing with mates when he bagged the red-tagged beauty.

“This is a unique part of the world where the sandstone escarpments of Kakadu meet the wetlands, and the local indigenous population has a strong connection to the land, and know all the best fishing spots,” James said. “I caught the tagged fish on my first cast. It got caught up in a snag, so I had to free-spool the line and let it swim out before I got it.”

Any fisho who lands a Season 7 $10k fish gets to donate an additional $1000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. James chose Cancer Council NT. Million Dollar Fish is supported by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC).

“The Territory is full of incredible fishing spots, and Cahills Crossing is one of the most famous,” NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said. “As well as bagging an iconic Territory barra at Cahills, time your visit right and you can catch saltwater crocodiles lining up to feast on delicious barra. This is a must for any visitor to the Territory. There are still 100 Season 7 $10,000 fish waiting to be caught, plus eight big ones worth a million dollars.”

Update on fish caught

Posted on by Erin

An investigation into the 19 December 2021 recapture of the Million Dollar Fish barra carrying tag number MDF7380 has determined the catch was an illegitimate recapture. The decision was reached following direction from InfoFish Australia (the independent agency that manages the tagging and verification process).

Investigations and consultation with stakeholders, including the Northern Land Council, showed the MDF7380 fish was caught in a restricted area and the angler did not have an official permit to fish that area at the time of recapture. The competition’s terms and conditions state participants must obtain the necessary permits and licenses if accessing Aboriginal Land or tidal waters overlying Aboriginal Land for fishing purposes.

The MDF7380 fish was initially released in the Dundee region, which is not a restricted area for recreational anglers. For more information on fishing zones, visit https://www.nlc.org.au/tidal-fishing.

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.

$120,000 Christmas Present

Posted on by Erin

The chances of bagging a prize-tagged barra have never been higher in the history of Million Dollar Fish, Australia’s richest fishing competition.

Christmas has come early with 12 additional $10,000 fish released across the Darwin region. Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet, is now in Season 7. This is the first time more fish have been released once a season has started, and is in addition to 100 $10,000 fish released for the start of the season on 1 October. There are also eight fish carrying the big one – a tag worth a million dollars.

Dubbed ‘All I want for Christmas is a Million Dollar Fish’, the campaign is to encourage more people to hit the water for the chance to catch a prize-tagged fish, with hopefully several fishos bagging an early Christmas present.
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 there has never been a better time to go fishing in the Northern Territory.

“The Million Dollar Fish competition is just one of the Territory’s unique attractions, and plays a significant role in luring visitors to the Top End. This new incentive gives people 12 more $10,000 reasons to visit,” he said.

“Now is the perfect time to book a holiday to the NT and experience our pristine, world-class fishing locations.”

Collectively worth $120,000, the 12 barra bring the total number of active $10,000 Season 7 fish to 107, with five already caught by lucky fishos. This season, every $10,000 fish caught sees an additional $1,000 donated to a Million Dollar Fish Official Charity Partner. Once the Million Dollar Fish is caught, an additional $10,000 will be donated to a Million Dollar Fish Official Charity Partner.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said Christmas has come early for anglers.

“SportsBet is thrilled to be rolling out this exciting Christmas campaign. How often do you get to play Santa and give fishos the gift of an additional $120,000 worth of prize-tagged barramundi to catch?” he said. “Remember, you must be registered to claim any Million Dollar Fish winnings. Registering is quick, easy and free, so register now, get out on the water, and Christmas might just come early!”

Million Dollar Fish Season 7 started on 1 October 2021, and will finish on 31 March 2022. To claim a prize-tagged fish or be in the running to win fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, you must be registered.

Register Now

First fish in the bag!

Posted on by Erin

A lucky fisho has caught the first tagged fish in Season 7 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet. Reece Prior, from the Northern Territory, reeled in a barramundi worth $10,000 at one of the NT’s most famous fishing hotspots, the Daly River region.

Reese caught the lucky barra while land-based fishing with his mate Zenon Theodorou, who first taught him how to fish. The two had a pact to split any Million Dollar Fish winnings, and Reece will use his half to add upgrades to his new boat.

“I’ve just bought a boat, but I am an avid land-based fisho and I caught this tagged barra fishing from land,” Reece said. “I’m a Territorian so knew all about Million Dollar Fish when it first started, plus a mate caught a tagged fish in 2018. I’m glad I registered this season!”

There are still 99 $10,000 barra swimming around out there, plus eight chances to snag the Million Dollar Fish. For every $10,000 fish caught, an extra $1000 is donated to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Reece chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Darwin Star Ball.

“On behalf of the Darwin Star Ball Committee and Starlight Children’s Foundation, we thank Reece for this donation,” charity representative Danielle White said. “After the challenges of the past 18 months, community support is needed now more than ever to help Starlight bring happiness to sick kids in the NT.”

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said SportsBet was thrilled to hand over the cheque.

“Remember, as well as 99 $10,000 fish still out there, there are also eight chances to land the Million Dollar Fish. Across the course of the competition we have now released a Million Dollar Fish in each of the five regions – Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands. This is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, if not the world, and we’re hoping someone will reel in the big one during Season 7.”

Season 7 of the Million Dollar Fish competition began on 1 October 2021 and runs until 31 March 2022. You must be registered for Season 7 to claim the prize money if you catch a tagged fish. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

 

 

 

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.