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James Quinn is the latest winner in Season 7 of the Million Dollar Fish competition after landing a 60cm barra at Cahills Crossing. James, who lives in Gunbalanya, was land-based fishing with mates when he bagged the red-tagged beauty.

Underwritten by SportsBet, Million Dollar Fish is Australia’s richest fishing competition and sees a number of tagged fish released across the Territory’s five main fishing spots – Darwin, Katherine, Tiwi Islands, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Cahills Crossing is the point where Kakadu and Arnhem Land meet via a road that goes underwater every wet season. It is an iconic Territory spot and world-famous thanks to the large number of crocodiles that gather there at certain times of the day.

Any fisho who lands a Season 7 $10k fish gets to donate an additional $1000 to the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of their choice. James chose Cancer Council NT.

There are still 100 Season 7 $10,000 fish waiting to be caught, plus eight big ones carrying tags worth a million bucks. That includes the Season 7 Million Dollar Fish, plus those released in previous season.

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 [https://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].

Quotes from NT Major Events CEO Tim Watsford:

“Cahills has long been famous for its crocodile sightings, now it’s famous for being the location where the latest $10,000 Million Dollar Fish was caught. This is the first time a tagged fish has been caught at this location, which shows you just never know where they might pop up. It also shows crocodiles don’t like red tags!

“This is a timely reminder to get registered before Season 7 ends on 31 March, and get out on our stunning waterways to try your luck at catching a tagged barra.

“The Million Dollar Fish competition helps spread the word about what an amazing fishing destination the Territory is, and provides a million reasons for people to visit the NT. We remind fishos to be CrocWise when hunting these sought-after tagged fish!”

Quotes from SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning:

“What a great fishing yarn James has to tell after reeling in this tagged barra at such an iconic location as part of this SportsBet competition. Many a fisho has tried their luck at Cahills Crossing, which is a fascinating place to visit.

“James’s catch shows you should never give up throwing in a line. He’s fished Cahills for months and his perseverance has finally paid off with a $10k barra. With six weeks of Season 7 left it’s not too late to catch one yourself. Register now and you might just land the Big One.”

Quotes from winning fisho James Quinn:

“As a keen fisho I love living in Gunbalanya. This is a unique part of the world where the sandstone escarpments of Kakadu meet the wetlands, and the local indigenous population has a strong connection to the land and know all the best fishing spots.

“I’ve fished at Cahills Crossing heaps, but this was the first time this year I’ve thrown a line in there. I caught the tagged fish on my first cast. It got caught up in a snag, so I had to free-spool the line and let it swim out before I got it. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the red tag.”

Picture caption: From left to right, Dwayne Campbell, Ishmael Wurramara and James Quinn