The Daly River has turned into a Million Dollar Fish hotspot, with two more Season 8 $10,000 fish caught there. Kevin North is counting his lucky stars after reeling in a 76cm red-tagged barramundi on 29 October a kilometre from Daly River Crossing, while Jack Daly is enjoying a double celebration after catching his second Season 8 fish at the Crossing. Jack caught his first fish there on 17 October, and his second fish on 2 November.
After registering for every season of Million Dollar Fish, which is underwritten by SportsBet, Mr North said he was thrilled to finally catch a red-tagged barramundi. The keen angler said he’ll be investing in a new deep freeze with his winnings, to store more fish in. Mr Daly said he can’t believe he’s caught two winning fish. He will spend his winnings on Christmas shopping and more fishing gear.
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 North chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Mr Daly chose Cancer Council NT.
One hundred $10,000 fish were released for Season 8, and the total number caught at Daly River is now five, while the total number caught in the competition so far is 13. This is the biggest season ever, with a massive $140,000 claimed.
Scores of $10,000 fish remain at large across five Top End fishing regions, including Darwin, Tiwi Islands, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Katherine. This includes nine barra worth a cool $1 million (the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, plus the other big ones from previous seasons, which are still eligible to be caught).
To claim any prize money, or be in with a chance of scoring prizes from the Lucky Prize Pool, anglers need to be registered for Season 8. Register for free at [https://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Quotes from NT Major Events Company Head of Events and Operations, Coryn Huddy:
“We’ve had it proved time and time again this season so far – Million Dollar Fish is, without doubt, Australia’s richest fishing competition. And clearly the Daly River is one of the Territory’s richest fishing spots!
“This stunning natural beauty is a magnet with fishos, both locals and interstaters who come here to try their luck at bagging an iconic barra. Million Dollar Fish gives them more reasons than ever to try their luck!”
Quotes from SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
“We are absolutely stoked to see more cash claimed through Million Dollar Fish. If you’ve been thinking about wetting a line in the Top End, now is the time to hit the water. With so many tagged fish biting, you might just join the Million Dollar Fish hall of fame.”
Quotes from winning fisho Kevin North:
“I’ve been fishing all my life, and have been trying to catch a red-tagged fish for the past eight years. When I first saw the tag, I almost didn’t believe it! Luckily I had a scoop net, as the lure came off – it was a total fluke! I’m going to go out again soon to the same spot. Hopefully there might be another Million Dollar Fish there.”
Quotes from winning fisho Jack Daly:
“I was fishing off the bank, reeled the fish in and was cleaning all the slime off before I realised I’d scored another red tag. I was obviously excited to catch a second tagged fish, but the first catch was way better! I’m off to try and catch another one.”
Image: Jack Daly, who has caught two $10,000 fish
