1 November 2022
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.
Despite the latest season opening just over a month ago, a total of 11 red-tagged barramundi have already 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 after reeling 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.
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
There is still plenty of time to register for Million Dollar Fish and hook a red-tagged barramundi, with Season 8 running 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 such as holiday packages, fishing equipment, gift vouchers, camping gear and much more. For more info, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au .
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy:
“We’re only a month into Million Dollar Fish Season 8, and already 11 red-tagged barramundi have been caught across the Top End by locals and visitors alike.
“It’s incredible to see so many people out in boats and land-based fishing for the chance to reel in a prize-tagged barra as part of Australia’s richest fishing competition.
“Million Dollar Fish is a unique competition in a unique corner of Australia, and plays an important role in attracting visitors to the Top End, which supports business across numerous regions.”
Quotes from SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
“It’s an exciting time to visit the Territory, with red tags being caught left, right and centre!
“We are thrilled to be awarding another fisho with a cheque for $10,000 and would like to congratulate Mr Yar on his prize-tagged fish caught at the Daly River Crossing.
“To claim any prize money as part of Million Dollar Fish, anglers must be registered. By doing so, you’ll even go into the monthly lucky prize pool to take home some amazing prizes!”
Quotes from winning fisho Yo Thu Yar:
“I’ve been fishing for years and have 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. I will give most of the money to my Nana.”
Quotes from Shoreline Managing Director Jason Ryan:
“We are absolutely 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 like Anthony Lorenzo to develop their skills and obtain marine certifications to become fishing guides.”
Quotes from Shoreline student Anthony Lorenzo:
“I’m the only Indigenous guide in our community right now but in a few years, I want there to be at least 10 of us.
“It just makes sense, and it makes me proud to show visitors around our home. I know these waters like the back of my hand now.”
