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Two Darwin locals snag the first two $10k barra

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Only days after the Million Dollar Fish Season 10 (MDF S10) competition opened, two lucky fishos have reeled in a little more than just a barramundi.

Long-time Darwin locals Bing Quan Mo, also known as Ken, and Theo Vrondos have both caught a $10,000 dollar red-tagged barramundi in the first two days of Australia’s richest fishing competition.

There are still 97 barramundi waiting to be caught for eager fishos, as well as 10 fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks.

Ken is officially the first winner of MDF S10 after he caught his lucky barra on the first day of the competition 1 October, after a dedicated evening of catching live bait and fishing at Buffalo Creek boat ramp.

He was at first slightly disappointed, because it was only a small 61cm fish as he had not seen the red tag. When he was about to clean the fish at home, he spotted the tag and called his daughter.

Bao Mo received a call at 8pm from her dad, excited that he had caught a red-tagged barramundi on the day the competition opened.

“When my dad called, I didn’t believe him. I told him to send a photo to me first,” she said.

“He sent me a photo, but it was very blurry, so I came over and I said, ‘are you sure?’.”

Ken has been fishing all his life and reeling in fish in Territory waters for over 20 years.

On the second day of competition, 2 October, Theo reeled in the most valuable fish he’s ever caught at 4.15pm at Daly River, less than a day after having signed up to Million Dollar Fish Season 10.

Theo is not usually a barra fisho but was convinced by his brother-in-law to sign up and try his luck.

Theo was stubbornly trying to catch some live bait before his brother-in-law pushed him to use a lure and cast a line. He took the small lure, and after a few casts, he caught a 76cm red-tagged barramundi.

Both Ken and Theo plan to take an overseas family trip. Ken is excited to be able to visit his 90-year old mother back home in China, while Theo is excited to take his wife and boys on a holiday.

Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox is very delighted the Million Dollar Fish competition has begun with two lucky fishos.

“I’m delighted to see two of the $10,000 prizes go off and I’d like to offer my congratulations to Theo and Ken,” he said.

“We are lucky to have some of the country’s best fishing right here in our backyard, and we’re likely to see plenty more fishos hook onto red-tagged barra throughout Season 10 of this iconic competition.”

Sportsbet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors is also thrilled to see the double win just days after the competition opened.

“Sportsbet is thrilled to be awarding the first two lucky fishos of Season 10 a cheque for $10,000 each,” he said.

“The season is off to an amazing start, and we look forward to seeing more red-tagged barra caught in Territory waters.”

Season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 10 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters you into the monthly giveaway draw. Register now for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Million Dollar Fish Returns With 10 For Season 10

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Australia’s richest fishing competition, the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish (MDF) returns for Season 10 with 10, one million-dollar tagged barramundi. The new season kicks off on 1 October 2024, with registrations now open.

The Northern Territory is the only place in the country where you can go fishing and stand a chance to catch a million-dollar fish or one of the 99 $10,000 red-tagged barra released across the five main fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land.

A whopping 10 fish sporting million-dollar tags have been activated, meaning there’s 10 chances to reel in a million. This includes one newly tagged fish for Season 10, while nine fish from Season 9 will be reactivated with one million-dollar tags. In exciting news for anglers the million-dollar tagged barras will remain active in the off season, so you can fish all year round for the ‘big one’.

Million Dollar Fish is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC Acting CEO Trevor Cox said Season 10 returns with alluring chances to reel in some cash.

“Million Dollar Fish celebrates a decade of extraordinary fishing in the stunning waterways of the Top End, of the Northern Territory. Anglers from across Australia travel each year to the region to cast their luck in reeling in a red-tagged barramundi.”

“Season 9 saw the first million-dollar barra caught, will someone be lucky enough to win it in Season 10?”

Once one of the million-dollar tagged fish is caught, the remaining nine revert to $10,000 fish for the rest of the season. Season 10 ends 31 March 2025. When a $10,000 red-tagged barra is caught $1000 is donated to Official Charity Partner, Cancer Council NT. If the million-dollar fish is reeled in the charity will receive $10,000.

Million Dollar Fish, supported by Sportsbet, saw Territorian Keegan Payne reel in the 67cm million-dollar barramundi from the Katherine River in Season 9. Since Million Dollar Fish began in 2015, hundreds of tagged barramundi have been released into the Top End’s exceptional waterways, resulting in over $2 million in winnings to date.

Season 9 was the biggest in many ways, recording the highest number of registrations ever, with a total of 61,601. Season 9 drew 9,602 visitors from interstate and overseas.

Sportsbet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the return of Season 10 was an exciting opportunity for fishos, with Sportsbet ready to see anglers reel in some red-tagged barra.

“We’re proud to support this unique competition as it reaches a decade of life-changing catches,” he said.

Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod welcomed the charity partnership for Million Dollar Fish Season 10.

“Cancer Council NT is deeply honoured to be named the Million Dollar Fish charity for Season 10,” she said.

“Good luck to you all and remember … Territory anglers Slip, Slop and Slap before you go in the sun.”

Season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 and registrations opened September 1. Registration is free for anglers aged 18 and over. Participants must be registered for Season 10 to claim prize money. Registering also puts you in the draw to win monthly giveaways, with almost $80,000 in prizes to be won, including a boat, fishing packs and flight vouchers.

Register now for Million Dollar Fish as it returns for Season 10

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Fishos can rejoice with Million Dollar Fish, Australia’s richest fishing competition, set to return for Season 10. Registration, which is free, opens today (Sunday 1 September 2024). There is still a million reasons to fish this season with everyone encouraged to register to be the first to know when exciting news is released.

Season 10 begins on 1 October 2024, meaning keen anglers have a month to register and plan their fishing trips before they can drop a line in the hope of reeling in a red-tagged barramundi. This year marks 10 years of the popular competition.

Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop said Million Dollar Fish is back, and Season 10 will have more opportunities to win money and share some big prizes.

“Huge thanks to SportsBet for supporting another massive season of fishing in the Territory. Million Dollar Fish has an important place in the Territory with research indicating that of the 61,601 registrants of S9, there was an impressive 70 percent participation rate and a $21 million increase in total expenditure between Season 8 and 9,” Mrs Bishop said.

“Southerners are encouraged to head north to experience unparalleled fishing and the chance to reel in a big one as part of Australia’s richest fishing competition. Research shows interstate visitors are opting for tours and boat rentals when visiting to participate in Million Dollar Fish, which is great for local businesses.”

The return of Million Dollar Fish comes after 19-year-old Keegan Payne, from Katherine, reeled in a 67cm million-dollar barramundi in Season 9. Keegan is the first person in the history of the competition to reel in a million-dollar tagged fish. Since Million Dollar Fish began in 2015 more than 1000 red-tagged barramundi have been released and over $2 million in winnings given away.

Season 9 Million Dollar Fish winner Keegan Payne said: “The fish are out there so take the family or a mate and you might come home a whole lot richer. See you out there.”

The Top End is the only place in the country where you can go fishing and stand a chance to catch a million-dollar fish or one of many $10,000 red-tagged barra. Tagged fish are released across the five main fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said: “We made history in Season 9 giving Territorian Keegan Payne a million dollars when he reeled in the Million Dollar Fish.

“Make sure you register now for Million Dollar Fish Season 10 and get out there and wet a line, you could just hook yourself a million-bucks.”

Season 9 was the biggest yet, setting a record with 61,602 registrations, of which 35.8% were from interstate. Independent research found a total economic expenditure stimulus of $91.8 million of which $49.6 million was new money to the Northern Territory. Season 9 attracted 9,602 visitors from interstate and overseas contributing to 253,235 visitor nights across the NT. Additionally 96.2 percent of people who participated in Million Dollar Fish S9 purchased products and experiences ranging from tackle to tours.

Million Dollar Fish Season 10 runs from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025 and registrations open September 1 2024. It’s free to register and anglers must be registered for Season 10 to claim prize money.

Top End teen reels in $1 million barra

Posted on by Ktima.Heathcote

A 19-year-old Katherine man has snagged the catch of a lifetime, reeling in the Northern Territory’s prized million-dollar barra during Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish, sponsored by Sportsbet.

Keegan Payne was on a fishing trip with one of his sisters and a friend in the early hours of Sunday morning at Katherine River when he reeled in the fish, calling the hotline at 1am.

Keegan has now won $1 million from Sportsbet as part of the competition.

“This is crazy for us, we’re a big family, there’s eight of us. This is more money than we could ever ask for. This is just great.

“It means so much. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I’m happy, really happy. I can buy what I want, maybe help dad and mum out with the home loans.”

The prized barra was released into Top End waters as part of Australia’s richest fishing competition. Each season the competition sees more than a hundred red-tagged fish released in Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land, Tiwi Islands and Kakadu waterways. Some are worth a million dollars while the rest are worth $10,000.

NT Major Events Company CEO Suzana Bishop said an event like this, now in it’s ninth season, is such a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to spend time in the great outdoors of the Territory.

“The Million Dollar barra has become one of our greatest ambassadors and we are so happy and excited for Keegan and his family,” Ms Bishop said.

“The Territory is the best place for fishos and it’s fitting that a local has reeled in the biggest catch going around – the Million Dollar Fish.

“The figures speak for themselves, with more than 60,000 registrations to be part of Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish, from all corners of the country and even overseas. We can’t wait to see what Season 10 will bring.”

As well as making someone a millionaire, Season 9 has seen eight fishos share in $10,000, so far by catching $10,000 fish, one fisho won a Double the Dough. Scores of people have also won prizes through the monthly Lucky Prize Pool draw.

Since the competition began in 2015, Sportsbet has given away $1,015,000 in prize money, generated over $70m in extra spend in the NT in 2023 and attracted more than 10,000 visitors.

Charities have also benefited, with Sportsbet paying $1,000 to the fisho’s Million Dollar Fish charity partner of choice every time a $10,000 fish is caught. Because Keegan caught a million-dollar barra, he will be able to donate $10,000 to the Cancer Council.

Season 9 will end at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 30 April, 2024. All red-tagged fish will cease to be active. Season 10 will return. Join our mailing list to find out more.

 

NT’s millionaire-making fishing comp extended to April 30!

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Anglers now have an extra month to catch a million-dollar barra in Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, with organisers announcing that Season 9 will be extended to 30 April.

Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish, which is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) and supported by SportsBet, was due to end on 31 March 2024, but with no winner yet, the season has been extended to give everyone more time to catch a red-tagged million-dollar fish.

There are also more than 80 x million-dollar tagged barra.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the odds were even better with a map available of where fish have been released across the Top End’s five main fishing regions – Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.

“Million Dollar Fish is shaking up the competition and extending it for 30 days. We can’t wait to make one lucky angler a millionaire and hope the fish is caught soon. Get out there and wet a line, everyone is in with a shot of catching the big one,” he said.

This season has seen the highest-ever number of registrations for the annual event.

Million Dollar Fish seasons typically run from 1 October to 31 March. Season 9 will run to 30 April 2024. Once the million-dollar fish is caught, the remainder of the red-tagged barra revert to $10,000 fish until the end of April. To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 9.

Borroloola fisho lands $10K Barra

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

The first red-tagged barra has been reeled in for 2024 by Borroloola resident James Mawson.

This is the eighth $10,000 barra caught in Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish, with $90,000 now awarded to lucky anglers across this season of Australia’s richest fishing competition

James was fishing 2kms upstream of the Borroloola Crossing on Monday, 22 January, when he managed to lure in one expensive fish. 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. James chose Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball.

James Mawson said he was shocked when he reeled in the prize-winning fish.

“It was just another fishing day for us. Just get out there and have a go, you never know, it was just a normal day out fishing. I wasn’t expecting to go home with a red tag.”

It comes as Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet, has announced there are now a whopping 24 barra with tags worth a million bucks, the most in the history of the competition.

There are still 103 barramundi waiting to be caught as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 9. That includes the 24 fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks. The change means there is about a one-in-four chance of your fish being worth a million if you reel in a Season 9 red-tagged barra.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors says 2024 is off to a cracking start with James catching a 65cm beauty out at Borroloola.

“It goes to show the tagged barra are everywhere and you’ve got a shot at catching one all over the Top End,” he said.

“SportsBet is excited to see who else reels in a $10,000 barra or the life-changing barra worth a million bucks!”

Delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company on behalf of the Territory Government, the Million Dollar Fish Season 8 competition injected a total expenditure stimulus of $70.8 million into the Territory.

NT fishing competition now offers 24 x barra worth a million bucks for 2024!

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

There are now more chances than ever, 24 in fact, to reel in a life-changing barramundi in the Northern Territory thanks to Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish.

Joining the 12 x $1m barra already released, an extra 12 fish have now been tagged as $1m fish. This means there are 24 ‘big ones’ out there – the most in the history of the competition.

There are also 80 x $10,000 barra to be caught.

Million Dollar Fish, supported by SportsBet, is run by Northern Territory Major Events Company. CEO Suzana Bishop says someone is guaranteed to reel in a million dollars during Season 9, and the odds have never been better.

“We’ve kicked off 2024 with the most million-dollar fish ever and we are definitely giving away a million dollars this season, so there has never been a better time to visit the Northern Territory,” she says.

“This is a unique competition in a unique destination. Nowhere else in the world could fishing change your life like this. Head to the Top End and enjoy world-class fishing in our pristine waterways, plus the chance to become a millionaire!”

There are now 24 fish sporting $1m tags as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 9
There are now 24 fish sporting $1m tags as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 9

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors says there is just a few months of Million Dollar Fish Season 9 left.

“As the major sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, SportsBet is thrilled to be playing a part in making one lucky fisho a millionaire and helping dozens of others become $10,000 richer,” he says.

“With less than 10 weeks of Season 9 left, now is the time to register and get out on the water before it’s too late!”

Once a $1m fish is caught, all remaining fish, including those tagged at $1m, will become $10,000 fish.

Season 9 runs from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters you into the Lucky Prize Pool, which includes thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs. Register now for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Third time lucky and another $10,000 for Territory fisho

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Dedicated fisho Jack Daly, from Nauiyu/Daly River, has pocketed himself $10,000 just in time for Christmas after hooking a Million Dollar Fish Season 9 red-tagged barramundi. Persistence has paid off again for Jack, with this the third $10,000 barra he has caught since the competition began.

Jack, 35, reeled in his latest prize-winning catch, a 58cm barra, at Daly River Crossing on Friday. Jack had been down at the crossing on Friday from 7.30pm when several hours later he reeled in the red-tagged fish on a plastic lure. He said his secret to catching barra was consistency, often fishing most nights.  Over the moon with his latest catch, he said his two kids had drafted up a Christmas wish list after learning he had hooked a red-tagged barra.

“I thought I’d never catch any this year but the water came up a little bit and then started dropping again and then I caught this on the crossing,” Jack said.

“I go fishing nearly every night, or when I get the chance to if I’m not working at night, I’ll go fishing. That’s just something I love doing every day or every night anyway when it’s nice and cool.

“The key is consistency. If you keep fishing every night, anything could happen, you know? That’s all it takes just a bit of time fishing at night or day, and you’ll never know you’ll get a red tag.”

Million Dollar Fish sees prize-tagged barramundi released in waterways across the Darwin, Kakadu, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Katherine regions. This season someone is guaranteed to win a million dollars. The season runs from 1 October 2023 until 31 March 2024.

It is the seventh $10,000 barra to be caught in Season 9 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, supported by SportsBet.

Seven $10,000 barra caught in the first nine weeks of Season 9

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said seven $10,000 barra had now been caught in the first nine weeks of Season 9.

“Congratulations to Nauiyu/Daly River resident, Jack, who has now reeled in his third $10,000 fish since Million Dollar Fish began in 2015,” he said.

“With more red-tagged Million Dollar Fish out there than ever before, the odds are definitely in favour of the fishos this season. We’re getting closer and closer to giving away the million and SportsBet can’t wait.”

Each time a fisho catches a $10,000 barra, they can donate an extra $1,000 to the Million Dollar Fish charity of their choice. Jack is giving the $1,000 to Riding for the Disabled Association Top End.

Riding for the Disabled Association Top End President Tania Lesneuck said: “We are excited to hear that Jack chose to share his Million Dollar Fish joy with RDA Top End! His donation will bring smiles to our riders and horses”.

There is still 92 red-tagged $10,000 barra out there, plus 12 barra sporting the big million-dollar tags released since the competition began. All are eligible to be caught.

To claim any cash from a red-tagged barra, a fisho must be registered for Million Dollar Fish. Registering is free and easy. Anyone who registers automatically goes in the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.

Extra $1 million-dollar barra as Fishmas launches

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

Million Dollar Fish, supported by SportsBet, is the competition that keeps on giving. Season 9 is set to share the love this Fishmas through 12 days of surprises.

Fishmas will deliver on the ultimate Christmas wish-list, with the fishing elves revealing a new surprise each day from Friday, 1 December 2023.

Today’s surprise is that one of the barra originally worth $10,000 is now worth a million bucks. So there are now 12 chances to reel in a million dollars. There are also 93 barra worth $10,000 still swimming around out there.

The surprises include winning a fishing charter that will see you drop a line in some stunning locations. There are also vouchers to wine and dine at some of Darwin’s best restaurants, and some great fishing gear. Anyone registered for Season 9 is in the running to win. The full list of surprises will be revealed via the website and www.facebook.com/milliondollarfishNT.

Make this Christmas one for the memory books

Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish has already given away $70,000 to six lucky fishos who have reeled in a $10,000 barra (one was worth double the dough!).

So make this Christmas one for the memory books with plenty of red tags swimming around out there. This includes 94 barra worth $10,000, and 11 worth a million bucks.

Remember, someone is guaranteed to win a million dollars this season, and the big one could be reeled in anywhere with red-tagged barra released across Top End waterways. These include Darwin, Kakadu, Tiwi Islands, Katherine and Arnhem Land regions.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said as the major sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, SportsBet has given six lucky fishos cash for reeling in a red-tagged barra.

“Now anglers have the chance to snag some great Fishmas prizes too. Million Dollar Fish is the greatest fishing competition in Australia and, with the million guaranteed to go off this season, we can’t wait to change someone’s life simply through fishing,” he said.

Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish runs from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. Anglers must register for Season 9 to claim any prize money from a red-tagged barra. This also automatically enters them into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, which includes thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes such as holiday and flight packages, and fishing and camping gear. Register now for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Lucky fisho doubles the dough in Season 9

Posted on by Ktima.Heathcote

Season 9 of Australia’s richest fishing competition is heating up, with fisho James McWilliam pocketing himself $20,000 after hooking a Season 9 red-tagged barramundi. Carrying a $10,000 red tag, the fish was worth double the money as part of the popular ‘Double the Dough’ campaign, which ran over the weekend.

James, who luckily called the Million Dollar Fish number to say he caught a red-tagged barra an hour before the Double the Dough initiative finished, reeled in his lucrative 82cm catch at lunchtime on Sunday, 19 November.

A member of Defence, James was on a day fishing trip with mates in Bynoe Harbour near Crab Claw Island Resort.

“They said they’d take me out on a fishing trip as I’d just got a new posting to Sydney, and it’s always been on my bucket list to catch a barra,” he said.

“We weren’t having that much luck and two of my mates were making sandwiches when I snagged the barra. I could tell he was big and my mates coached me as I reeled it in. We didn’t see the red-tag until it was in the boat and we all went crazy. I’m still shaking.”

Million Dollar Fish, supported by SportsBet, sees prize-tagged barramundi released in waterways across the Darwin, Kakadu, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Katherine regions. This season a fisho is guaranteed to win a million dollars. The season runs from 1 October 2023 until 31 March 2024.

“I’m glad I rang the Million Dollar Fish line”

James, who hails from Victoria, said they didn’t get back to Darwin from their day on the water until late as they decided to continue fishing, and then had to wait for the tide to rise.

“I was about to go to bed when I thought I better ring the Million Dollar Fish line. I’m so glad I did,” said James. “I didn’t realise it was Double the Dough. I’m going to share my winnings with my mates and my mum. I’ll also probably buy myself a new rod and some fishing gear.”

Each time a fisho catches a $10,000 barra, they can donate an extra $1,000 to the Million Dollar Fish charity of their choice. SportsBet doubled the charity money for this fish, and James decided to give the $2,000 to Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Starlight Children’s Foundation Hospital Program Manager NT Jesse Butler said Starlight relies on community support to help the organisation deliver happiness to sick kids in the Territory.

“We’re so grateful to be involved in Million Dollar Fish again this year,” she said. “On behalf of the Darwin Star Ball Committee and Starlight Children’s Foundation we thank James McWilliam for his thoughtful donation.”

Six lucky fishos have now bagged themselves a $10,000 barra since Season 9 began on 1 October 2023. There are still 94 red-tagged $10,000 barra out there, plus the 11 sporting the big million-dollar tags.

To claim any cash from a red-tagged barra, a fisho must be registered for Million Dollar Fish. Registering is free and easy. Anyone who registers automatically goes in the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. Click here to register.