Tag: WINNERS

Australia’s richest fishing competition raises the stakes, again!

Posted on by Leanne Hudson

With just four weeks left of Million Dollar Fish Season 9, Australia’s richest fishing competition is turning up the heat by converting a whopping 18 $10,000 barra into million-dollar fish. It means there is now 42 Million Dollar Fish sporting a million-dollar tag!

Season 9 began with the news a million dollars will definitely be given away this season, and several initiatives have been introduced to help make this happen. More initiatives on top of the exciting change will be introduced throughout March to increase the chances of an angler reeling in the elusive million-dollar fish.

More than a million dollars have already been given away to lucky fishos since Million Dollar Fish, supported by SportsBet, began in 2015. This includes eight anglers who have reeled in a $10,000 fish during Season 9 – one was worth $20,000.

Fishos eager to land the catch of a lifetime should register and follow Million Dollar Fish on Facebook and Instagram to find out the next initiative of how the odds of reeling in a ‘big one’ will increase over the coming weeks. We guarantee it’s good.

Northern Territory Major Events Company delivers Million Dollar Fish. CEO Suzana Bishop says it is exciting to see the competition heat up with March Madness.

“With just a few short weeks of Season 9 left, we’re unleashing initiatives like this to ensure someone reels in the unforgettable million-dollar catch,” Mrs Bishop says.

“The Northern Territory has some of the best and most scenic fishing in the country and there’s no better excuse to head north to barradise and wet a line than Million Dollar Fish.”

There are 103 red-tagged barramundi still waiting to be caught as part of Season 9. From tomorrow, that includes the 42 barra carrying a tag worth a million bucks. There are now multiple million-dollar tagged fish in each of the five fishing regions – Arnhem Land, Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine and the Tiwi Islands.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors says the major sponsor is excited to see the competition develop and fishos get involved.

“SportsBet is thrilled to be part of creating a life-changing moment for one angler,” Mr Bors says. “With the million-dollar fish a sure catch, March Madness will increase the chances like never before, which will excite anglers across the country. Make sure you get up to the Top End to be a part of the action.”

Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish runs from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. Once a million-dollar tagged fish is hooked, all other million-dollar tagged fish revert to $10,000 fish for the rest of Season 9.

To claim any prize money from a red-tagged fish, an angler must be registered for Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters them into the Lucky Prize Pool, with thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs.

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.

Kakadu National Park delivers third $10,000 barra for Season 9

Posted on by Erin

A lucky fisho has caught the third $10,000 red-tagged barra of Season 9 in Kakadu National Park.

Loren Hanton was night fishing at stunning Yellow Waters on 31 October. She couldn’t believe it when the 63cm beauty grabbed her lure.

“I’d had no luck on the water, even though my partner had caught four fish, so I was thinking of leaving. Then I pulled in a 70cm barra, which totally changed things!,” Loren said.

“My next catch was the red-tagged barra, and when I saw that red tag I started screaming. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish every season and am a regular fisho born and bred in the Territory.

“I can’t believe I’ve finally caught my own red-tagged barra. I will 100 per cent keep on fishing to try my luck at catching another.”

Underwritten by SportsBet, 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.

Loren, who was fishing with her partner at Kakadu National Park, wasn’t having much luck. She was considering calling it a night when she reeled in a 70cm barra. Filled with renewed enthusiasm, she kept on casting, then landed her $10,000 prize.

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. Loren chose Shoreline. The program began on the Tiwi Islands and provides education and employment opportunities for young Indigenous people.

Shoreline Managing Director Jason Ryan thanked Loren for her donation.

“We are absolutely delighted Loren nominated us as the recipient charity for the recent red-tagged barramundi,” he said. “The donation will go directly towards creating opportunities for young First Nations students in the NT to develop their skills on water and obtain marine certifications.

“We are excited to see more tagged barramundi caught and a lucky fisho snag the million-dollar prize!”

Loren’s catch means there are now 97 $10,000 barramundi still out there, plus 11 barra carrying tags worth a million dollars. That includes the two released for Season 9, and those released for previous seasons. A fisho must register for Season 9 to claim any prize money from a tagged fish. This also automatically enters them into the Lucky Prize Pool, which includes thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes up for grabs, such as holiday and flight packages, and fishing and camping gear. Register now for free.

Second red-tagged $10,000 barra of Season 9 caught!

Posted on by Erin

Just two weeks into Australia’s richest fishing competition, a lucky fisho has caught the second $10,000 barra of Million Dollar Fish Season 9. Andrew Russell from Wagait Beach is the happy angler. It follows the first fish caught just three hours after the competition began. Find out more here.

“I was out on my boat with my neighbour. He’s also called Andrew and we’re always fishing together. We were on the last two casts of the day when I snagged a barra and saw the tag. I was pretty nervous reeling the fish in, but lucky for me I landed it,” Mr Russell said.

“I’m going to split the cash with Andrew. And I’ll get out onto the water as soon as possible to hopefully catch one of the 11 fish worth a million dollars.”

Someone will definitely win a million dollars during Season 9. To help things along, this season we’ve released not one, but two, fish worth a million dollars. There are now 11 fish worth a million, as all the big ones from previous seasons remain eligible to be caught.

Andrew caught his 73cm barra on Thursday, 12 October at Woods Inlet. Ninety-eight $10,000 barra are still out there.

All winning fishos can donate an extra $1000 to their Million Dollar Fish charity of choice. Andrew chose Cancer Council NT.

Cancer Council NT CEO Tanya Izod said Cancer Council NT was very grateful to Andrew for choosing us as his charity.

“This donation will go directly to our nurse-led oncology clinics and services for Territory cancer patients,” she said.

“Eighty-three per cent of our annual funding comes from fundraising events like Million Dollar Fish. Every person who attends an event, volunteers on our programs or sponsors our work supports cancer patients. Our services are available to anyone touched by cancer. Thank you again Andrew for supporting our valuable work.”

Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish runs from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024. Register now to be eligible to claim any prize money from a tagged barra. This automatically enters you into the Lucky Prize Pool, which includes thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes. Register now here.

Local lands $20k barra in Territory fishing spot

Posted on by Erin

Humpty Doo local Wayne Leather reeled in a tagged barra in a Territory fishing spot just in the nick of time.

He was fishing at a secret spot in Adelaide River on Sunday, with only four days left of Million Dollar Fish. While reeling a fish in he was surprised to see a beaming red tag hanging off his 68cm catch. But other fish were still biting, so Wayne kept reeling in two more barra while his son tried to read the writing on the red tag. When they realised Wayne had pulled in a Season 8 barra, the duo quickly packed up and raced home.

“As soon as it went straight into the net it was facing upright and we both screamed out at the same time, ‘red tag!’ I said, ‘no way, this can’t be happening’,” Wayne said.

“We quickly got it in the boat before a croc came out and took the fish.

“We’re quite lucky actually. It’s hard to believe it happened because we didn’t go there to catch a tagged barra. We hadn’t given up, but at the end of the season, you think the doors are pretty well closed.”

Fisho registers for every Million Dollar Fish Season

Wayne is the third lucky fisho to take home $20,000 after hooking his barra during the final weekend of Double the Dough, where a $10,000 fish is worth $20,000. He chose the Darwin Star Ball through the Starlight Children’s Foundation to receive the $2000 charity donation.

Wayne has signed up for Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet, every season since the competition began in 2015. He carefully inspects every barra he catches to see if it’s sporting a red tag. He has his favourite Territory fishing spot, but keeps it a secret.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors was over the moon at handing another lucky fisho a cheque.

“As the major sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, SportsBet is thrilled to be awarding another lucky fisho a cheque for $20,000,” he said.

“Remember, there’s still nine barra worth a million bucks swimming around in Top End waters. They are eligible to be caught all year round if you register for Season 8 by 31 March 2023.”

There’s still 81 barramundi waiting to be caught as part of the competition. This includes nine fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks, which remain active all year round. Remember, you must register before the end of Season 8 to be eligible.

Season 8 of Million Dollar Fish ends on 31 March 2023. To claim any prize money from a tagged fish you must register by this Friday. This includes catching a fish worth a million bucks after Season 8 ends. Register now for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Last cast of the day sees local fisho cash in with $10k barra

Posted on by Isabella Hood

A Top End fishing trip with a mate from down south has seen Territorian Colin Carthew win $10,000. He cashed in after reeling in a red-tagged barra on the last cast of the day.

The two fishos wet a line near Talc Head at Woods Inlet on Friday, 25 November. Colin snagged the lucrative 62cm catch as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8. This was before swiftly making their way back to the Darwin Ski Club boat ramp to beat the tide.

The Darwin-based angler said it was s challenging fishing trip, but well and truly paid off in the end. “The tides weren’t very good but we decided to head out and try our luck. I couldn’t believe it when we got the fish on the last cast – we weren’t sure if it was worth $10,000 or a million,” he said.

“When we got back to the boat ramp at the museum there was no tide, so we had to unhitch the trailer and bounce the tinny over the rocks back onto the trailer, damaging the jockey wheel in the process. It took over an hour, but it was worth it for a red-tagged barra.”

A keen fisho, Colin said he’ll put the money towards purchasing new video camera equipment.

Season 8 prize money biggest in competition’s history

Widely known as Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish has already seen 15 anglers reel in prize-tagged barramundi as part of Season 8. Competition underwriter SportsBet has paid out a total of $160,000.

The amount of prize money up for grabs as part of Season 8 is the biggest in the history of the competition, with a whopping nine barramundi worth a million dollars now released in five fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, in addition to those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.

Eighty-five Season 8 $10,000 barra are still swimming around Top End waterways. Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an extra $1,000 is donated to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the lucky angler. Colin gave his $1,000 to Cancer Council NT.

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said now is an ideal time to visit the Territory. It’s also an opportunity to explore the Top End’s world-class fishing regions for the opportunity to bag a red-tagged barramundi.

“The concept is simple,” he said. “Jump online, register for free and then wet a line for the chance to become a millionaire. Plus, you’ll also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win epic prizes and experiences from Million Dollar Fish partners,” he said.

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 opened on 1 October 2022 and runs through until 31 March 2023. To be eligible for any prize money, anglers must have registered for Season 8.

For more info and to register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

WA road trip made 10,000 times better with red-tag barra bonus!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Lucky fisho Leon Danicic found himself $10,000 better off with a red-tag barra bonus on a WA road trip.

Leon was enjoying a road trip from the Northern Territory to Western Australia with a mate. He was land-based fishing near the Vic River boat ramp when he hooked the 59cm catch. Born and bred in the Territory, Leon has fished for many years across the Top End. He said it was “unbelievable” he’d finally caught himself a red-tagged fish.

“I honestly thought I was hallucinating. I was already stoked about catching a barra, but my excitement had just gone to another level,” he said.

The Darwin-based fisho said he’ll put his winnings towards fuel, food and drinks while on a two-month road trip along the Western Australia coast with his mate Duncan O’Riley.

Last chance to bag a red-tag barra in Season 8

Million Dollar Fish has already seen 14 anglers reel in prize-tagged barramundi as part of Season 8. Competition underwriter SportsBet has paid out a total of $150,000.

The prize purse included in Season 8 is the largest ever, with nine fish worth a million dollars now released in five fishing regions – Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, as well as those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.

Registered anglers also have the chance to bag one of the remaining 86 $10,000 barra, with 14 caught so far. 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. Leon chose Cancer Council NT.

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 opened on 1 October 2022 and runs through until 31 March 2023. To be eligible for any prize money, anglers must have registered for Season 8. The monthly prize pool includes thousands of dollars’ worth of incredible prizes such as holidays, flights, and fishing and camping equipment. For more info and to register, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Another day, another red-tagged Million Dollar Fish in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Australia’s richest fishing competition is in for a record-breaking season, with another $10,000 fish caught as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8 over the weekend.

A total of 11 red-tagged barramundi have been recaptured across the Top End with fishos sharing in a whopping $120,000 of prize money from competition underwriter SportsBet.

Territorian Yo Thu Yar is the latest fisho to find himself $10,000 richer. He reeled in his 55cm prize-tagged barramundi land-based fishing at Daly River Crossing. Mr Yar’s fish is the third red-tagged barramundi to have been caught at the Daly River Crossing this season. The keen angler said he plans to share most of his prize money with his grandmother.

Mr Yar said he’s been fishing for years and has caught lots of barra.

“I’ve fished at Daly River Crossing plenty of times and could not believe it when I pulled the fish out and saw the red tag.

“I’ve registered for every season of Million Dollar Fish, so it was great to finally catch one.

Fishos to nominate charity of choice

Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an additional $1,000 is given to an official Million Dollar Fish charity of the fisho’s choice. Mr Yar chose Shoreline, an organisation that provides education and employment opportunities to Indigenous students.

Shoreline Managing Director Jason Ryan said he was delighted that Shoreline was nominated as the charity of choice for the $1,000 donation.

“The donation will go directly towards creating opportunities for young Indigenous students to develop their skills and obtain marine certifications to become fishing guides,” he said.

There is still plenty of time to register for Million Dollar Fish and hook a red-tagged barramundi. Season 8 runs until 31 March 2023. Registered anglers can win up to $1 million in prize money, with 89 $10,000 barra still swimming around Top End waterways. In addition there are nine fish worth a million bucks. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons, which are still eligible to be caught. Each season, red-tagged barramundi are released in five main fishing regions across the Top End including Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine.

Registrations is free, and allows anyone over the age of 18 to claim prize money from a red-tagged fish. Registered participants also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool to win fantastic prizes. These include holiday packages, fishing equipment, gift vouchers, camping gear and much more. For more info, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Two more strikes on the red-tag tally!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Two more fishos are counting their lucky stars after reeling in red-tagged barramundi as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8.

This brings the total number of tagged fish caught in the latest season of Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet, to 10, with fishos sharing $110,000.

The two most recent fish were both bagged in the beautiful Mary River system. Tumbling Waters resident Shane Leo caught fish number 9 at Corroboree Billabong. The Mary River wetlands beauty spot is teeming with wildlife, including his 60cm barra sporting a red tag!

Shane said he was out fishing with his son Jack when he reeled in the lucrative catch. “I’ve registered at least twice for Million Dollar Fish and it was great to finally catch a winning barra. Now I’m going after the big one!”

Paul Fitzgerald from Gunn, Palmerston, caught fish number 10. He bagged his 66cm winning barra at Hardies Lagoon, just a short drive from Corroboree Billabong. Paul’s fish is the second Season 8 $10,000 barra to be caught at Hardies.

Fisho almost threw the barra back

Paul was fishing with his mate Andrew Bond, and almost threw the barra back after he caught it. “We only kept it because it was a clean fish and would make good eating. That’s when we saw the red tag. There were a roller coaster of emotions I can tell you,” he said.

Each time a $10,000 fish is caught, an additional $1,000 is given to an official Million Dollar Fish charity of the fisho’s choice. Shane chose Cancer Council NT, while Paul chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy said it was great to see so many red-tagged fish caught as part of Season 8.

“Million Dollar Fish keeps delivering for the Territory, not only for those who are lucky enough to catch a tagged barra, but also in terms of what fishos spend with local businesses when they go fishing, which supports our economy,” he said.

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 runs until 31 March 2023. There are still 90 $10,000 waiting to be caught, plus nine fish worth a million bucks. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons, which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine.

To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, or fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, anglers must be registered for Season 8. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Another two $10,000 red-tagged barra in the bag!

Posted on by Isabella Hood

Fishos all over the Top End are winning big through Million Dollar Fish Season 8. Six registered anglers have won $70,000 worth of prize money in less than three weeks of the competition. An additional $7,000 has been paid out to official Million Dollar Fish charity partners.

The two latest fishos to win big were Territorians Rory Laidlaw-Hall and Jack Daly. SportsBet underwrites Million Dollar Fish.

Mad keen fisho Rory Laidlaw-Hall of Malak found himself $10,000 richer after snagging a red-tagged barramundi at Mary River Bridge Lagoon on Monday, 17 October. Rory first spotted the red tag as he was reeling the fish in towards the boat, and quickly secured his lucrative catch.

He said he’ll use his prize money to fix his car’s air-conditioning and buy some new fishing gear. “I’ve been registering for Million Dollar Fish the last three years, but didn’t ever think I was lucky enough to get one,” he said. “My breathing definitely picked up when I spotted the red tag. It was just me in the boat and I was worried I’d lose the barra before I netted him.”

Lucky angler pockets $10,000

The other lucky angler to pocket $10,000 was Daly River’s Jack Daly. Jack was fortunate enough to find a red-tagged barramundi on the end of his line when he was fishing at the Daly River Crossing. “I wasn’t too sure about the red tag – I had to double check it to make sure it was real,” he said.

“My son and a friend were with me when I caught the fish. We were all dancing around on the sand!”

An avid fisho, Jack said he plans to spend the money on his family and home renovations. Luck seems to run in Jack’s family. His nephew Darryl McLeod also bagging a red-tagged barramundi at Daly River Crossing on Friday, 14 October. Darryl’s partner Kaitlyn Ahfat caught a red-tagged fish at the same location in Season 6.

Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an extra $1,000 is given to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Rory decided to give his cash to Cancer Council NT, while Jack opted to donate his $1,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Million Dollar Fish reels in benefits for the Territory

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy Million Dollar Fish is a fantastic initiative. He said the competition creates many valuable benefits for the Territory from a social and economic perspective.

“It also puts the Territory on the national stage, inspiring even more visitors to make their way to the Top End for our world-class fishing and incredible tourism experiences,” he said. “At this rate, we’re in for another record-breaking season of Million Dollar Fish. We look forward to seeing more fishos win big before the end of March next year.”

Million Dollar Fish Season 8 kicked off on 1 October 2022, and runs until 31 March 2023. There are still 94 $10,000 barramundi swimming around Territory waterways, in addition to nine fish worth a million dollars. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons which are still eligible to be caught. Prize-tagged barramundi have been released across the Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Kakadu.

To claim any prize money, or fantastic prizes as part of the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, anglers register for Season 8. Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.