The two most recent fish were both bagged in the beautiful Mary River system, with fish number nine caught by Tumbling Waters resident Shane Leo at Corroboree Billabong. The Mary River wetlands beauty spot is teeming with wildlife, including his 60cm barra sporting a red tag! Fish number 10 was caught by Paul Fitzgerald from Gunn, Palmerston. 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.
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.
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
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy:
“Season 8 broke records when we had eight fish caught in October – the highest of any season prior was seven. Now we’re up to 10 tagged barra in the bag, which is incredible.
“If these results, combined with the fact the Territory has some of the best fishing in the world, don’t get people out fishing, I don’t know what will.
“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.”
Quotes from SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
“We’re getting closer and closer to seeing the actual Million Dollar Fish caught, so make sure you register now or you can’t claim the cash. And remember, the nine fish worth a million bucks can be caught year-round, but you MUST be registered for the latest season of Million Dollar Fish to cash in.”
Quotes from winning fisho Shane Leo:
“I was out fishing with my son Jack and it was late afternoon when I caught it. I saw the red tag and was pretty anxious about losing the fish but managed to reel it in.
“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!”
Quotes from winning fisho Paul Fitzgerald:
“I was out fishing with my mate Andrew Bond and I nearly threw the barra back after I 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.
“We were out fishing to christen Andrew’s new boat with a barra but we didn’t think we’d catch a fish let alone one worth $10,000. I’ll share the winnings with Andrew and put my share towards a holiday with my wife.”
