A Top End fishing trip with a mate from down south has seen Territorian Colin Carthew win $10,000, after he reeled in a red-tagged barramundi as part of Million Dollar Fish Season 8.
The two fishos wet a line near Talc Head at Woods Inlet on Friday, 25 November, and snagged the lucrative 62cm catch on the very last cast of the day, before swiftly making their way back to the Darwin Ski Club boat ramp to beat the tide.
A keen fisho, Colin said he’ll likely put the money towards purchasing new video camera equipment.
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. A total of $160,000 has been paid out by competition underwriter SportsBet.
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.
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. By doing so, participants also go into the monthly Lucky Prize Pool, which 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 .
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy:
“We are almost two months into Million Dollar Fish Season 8, and already there have been 15 prize-tagged barra caught across the Top End.
“Now is an ideal time to visit the Territory and explore our world-class fishing regions for the opportunity to bag a red-tagged barramundi.
“The concept is simple – 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.
“Aside from paying out local and interstate fishos, this competition also pays dividends to the Territory by increasing visitation during the shoulder period, supporting local businesses across all five Top End fishing regions and showcasing the Territory’s five-star fishing and tourism experiences.”
Quotes from SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
“Wow, what a season it’s been! We’re stoked to have had 15 prize-tagged fish recaptured over the past two months, and look forward to awarding more registered anglers with huge cash prizes before the end of Season 8.
“There’s still plenty of time to try your hand at land-based fishing or head out in the boat for the chance to hook onto a red-tagged barra – register for free online and get out there now while the fishing’s prime!”
Quotes from winning fisho Colin Carthew:
“I usually go for pelagic species like Spanish mackerel, giant trevally and queen fish, but this time my mate and I decided to target barramundi for a change.
“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!
“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.
“Life is full of abundances – I don’t take any of it for granted.”
