Tag: tips

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.

Releasing barramundi means sustainable fishing

Posted on by Erin

An increasing number of barramundi caught by recreational fishers are now released after capture. That barra you catch may not be the Million Dollar Fish but should be handled carefully.

When releasing fish, NT Fisheries recommends:

  • Minimising the time out of the water so the fish can be returned to the water as quickly as possible.
  • Use fish-friendly knotless landing nets to minimise injuries and fin damage.
  • Get your camera or phone ready to take that image before you take the fish out of the water and begin handling it.
  • Wet down your measuring board before measuring a fish and never lay the fish on a hot, dry surface.
  • If holding a fish, support its weight with both hands and don’t suspend it vertically by its jaw.
  • Release the fish into bank side cover or snags which provide protection while the fish recovers.

It is the responsibility of all recreational fishers involved in the Million Dollar Fish competition to ensure that all fish released have the best chance of survival. This will ensure the sustainability of our fish for the future.

Tips to be Crocwise

Posted on by mdfishdev

Whenever you’re near the ocean, a river, a lake, a billabong, or any body of water in the Top End, you are in croc country, so Be Crocwise.

The Territory is home to thousands of freshwater crocs and an estimated 100,000 salties, who sit firmly at the top of the food chain. Fishos, crocs are probably your biggest competition when it comes to bagging a barra.

They’ve also been known to attack boats and people, but if you remember to Be Crocwise, you’ll reduce your risk of a nasty encounter. Remember – salties can be found in freshwater or saltwater, so you are likely to see a croc or two on your fishing adventures. If you don’t see them, rest assured, they are there.

Did you know that our mates at TIO are giving free Crocodile Attack Insurance to everyone who registers for Million Dollar Fish?

STAY SAFE WHILE FISHING & BOATING:

  • Stay alert when launching or retrieving your boat
  • Don’t lean out of your boat or dangle your arms or legs over the side and remember, the smaller the boat, the bigger the risk
  • Stand at least five meters back from the water’s edge while fishing from land, and never stand on overhanging logs
  • Dispose of your fishing rubbish well away from the water’s edge
  • Do not enter or lean over the water to retrieve a lure
  • Obey all crocodile warning signs; they are there for your protection
  • Avoid paddling, cleaning fish, preparing food, washing or carrying out repetitive actions at the water’s edge or boatside
  • Always use landing nets when bringing in fish
  • Never provoke or harass crocodiles
  • Always report problem or aggressive crocodiles (in Darwin call 0419 822 859, in Katherine call 0407 958 405, in Kakadu call (08) 8938 1120)
  • If fishing at night, illuminate the outside of your boat so you can see what is around you, and stay back from the edge of the boat
  • Use wire crab traps to make it harder for crocodiles to access your bait and catch
  • Get out of the water as quickly as possible if you fall in
  • Do not interfere with crocodile traps

STAY SAFE WHILE CAMPING:

  • Camp at least 50m from the water’s edge
  • Avoid places where animals and livestock drink
  • Avoid returning to the same spot at the water’s edge to fill your bucket
  • Never prepare food, wash dishes or do other tasks near the water’s edge or next to sloping banks
  • Fill up your bucket and move away from the water’s edge quickly
  • Dispose of food scraps, fishing rubbish and other waste in bins away from your campsite, and check that other campers have not left these things behind

For more information visit www.becrocwise.nt.gov.au