Tag: fishing

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.

Another Million Dollar Fish ‘Most Wanted’ in the bag!

Posted on by Erin

Jaylene Budd is the latest lucky fisho to land a tagged fish as part of Australia’s richest fishing competition Season 7.

She thought her knife was blunt when she couldn’t slice through the barra she bagged on Sunday. But closer inspection showed the real reason for her struggle – a red tagged barra worth $10,000.

Jaylene, who has been hunting for Australia’s Most Wanted fish for several seasons, is the 15th lucky fisho to land $10,000 from Season 7. She caught her 65cm fish while land-based fishing near the Finnis River boat ramp. While some tagged fish swim many kilometres, this one was hiding out just two kilometres from where it was released.

“I’ve been fishing since I was a kid and out fishing most weekends,” Jaylene said. “I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish for years, and my husband caught a $10,000 barra in 2017. I caught the fish, and a few others on Sunday, but just threw them all in the freezer without noticing the red tag. I didn’t see it until I took the fish out to fillet it yesterday!”

For every $10,000 fish caught, the angler gets to donate an additional $1000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. Jaylene chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball, as her young son once spent three months in hospital.

Northern Territory Major Events CEO Tim Watsford said this season has turned out to be the biggest yet, with plenty of keen anglers joining the search for the ones that got away.

“What a season it’s been! That’s 15 fishos with an extra $10,000 in the bank thanks to Million Dollar Fish, the competition that rewards people for doing something they love in one of the most unique places in Australia,” he said. “There are plenty of chances to bag a tagged barra yourself, with almost 100 fishy fugitives still swimming around out there.”

SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish, which is Australia’s richest fishing competition. It sees scores of tagged fish released into the Top End’s five iconic fishing regions – Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands.

Season 7 ends on 31 March 2022, but the eight fish carrying tags worth a million bucks remain active year-round. You MUST be registered for Season 7 to claim any cash. Registrations close on 31 March 2022.

 

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.

$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

Daly River delivers another $10,000 barra

Posted on by Erin

Lucky angler Darryl McLeod is celebrating after bagging a tagged barramundi worth $10,000 in the Million Dollar Fish competition. Darryl is the fifth fisho to win cash thanks to Australia’s richest fishing competition, underwritten by SportsBet. Darryl reeled in the prize-winning 89cm catch on Friday night while land-based fishing at Daly River Crossing, an iconic Top End fishing spot. He was fishing with partner Kaitlyn Ah Fat, who bagged herself a $10,000 fish in Season 6.

“I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish every season, and when I pulled in a fish with a red tag I couldn’t believe it. I was pretty happy! I fish at this spot all the time and have been fishing since I was little, so it was good to finally land a tagged barra,” Darryl said.

There are still 95 fish worth $10,000 swimming around Top End waterways, plus eight chances to score the big one – a million bucks. That includes the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish, plus those released in previous seasons, which are still active. As soon as one of the fish carrying a million dollar tag is caught, the remaining seven turn into $10,000 fish.

Million Dollar Fish is delivered by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC). NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the competition continues to deliver for fishos each year.

“We are less than two months into Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish and five lucky fishos have already landed themselves a $10,000 bonus. We’ve seen locals and tourists win, from boats, land-based fishing and a fishing charter. Any fisho really can win,” he said.

SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning said you don’t even need to go fishing to win with Million Dollar Fish.

“As the major sponsor of the Million Dollar Fish competition, SportsBet is always thrilled when someone catches a tagged fish. And don’t forget – simply by registering you go into our Lucky Prize Pool, so you could win awesome prizes without even wetting a line,” he said.

For every $10,000 fish caught, the winning fisho can donate $1000 to the official Million Dollar Fish charity of their choice. Darryl chose Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports the Darwin Star Ball. Darwin Star Ball Committee Chairman Justin Coleman welcomed the funds.

“We’re so excited to be a part of the Million Dollar Fish campaign again in 2021. Starlight has been there for sick kids throughout the challenges of the past 18 months. Only with the help of the local community can we continue to be there for sick kids in the NT when they need it most.”

 

 

QLD fisho cashes in through country’s richest fishing comp

Posted on by Erin

The Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition has delivered once again, with Queensland’s David Nolan the latest angler to win big through the iconic Top End initiative underwritten by SportsBet.

Caught on Sunday, 7 November at Fog Bay with Dundee Beach Fishing Charters, the 68cm Season 7 fish will see David take home a cheque for $10,000, which he’ll spend on Christmas presents for family and friends.

The interstate visitor from Brisbane was exploring the Top End as part of a fishing trip with his mates, and says he’ll definitely be back to try his luck at catching the Million Dollar Fish.

This season, every $10,000 fish caught sees an additional $1,000 donated to a Million Dollar Fish Official Charity Partner. David decided to gift the $1,000 to Darwin Star Ball through the Starlight Children’s Foundation. David is the fourth fisho to hook a tagged barra as part of Season 7.

Million Dollar Fish is run by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. NTMEC CEO Tim Watsford said the competition is off to a great start, with four fish caught in six weeks.

“Four fishos have cashed in through Million Dollar Fish Season 7, and we’re thrilled to see an interstate angler hook the latest prize-tagged barramundi,” he said.

“It’s no secret the Territory is home to some of Australia’s best fishing, with thousands of anglers making their way to the Top End each year to wet a line in our world-class fishing regions. With plenty of tagged fish remaining in Top End waterways, there has never been a better time to jump in a plane or a car and fish the Territory for the chance to become a millionaire.”

David said everyone on the charter was thrilled when he landed the prize-tagged fish.

“We didn’t see the tag at first, but once the skipper pointed it out everyone got really excited,” he said. “The whole thing hasn’t really sunk in yet. This is my first time up here in the NT, and it’s been awesome. I will definitely be back to try and catch the Million Dollar Fish – you have to be in it to win it!”

With 96 prize-tagged barra worth $10,000 and eight Million Dollar Fish still up for grabs, there has never been a better time to book a trip to the Territory to wet a line.

Million Dollar Fish Season 7 kicked off on 1 October, and will wind up 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. Registration is quick, easy and free – simply visit 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.