For the first time in the competition’s history, three tagged barra have been caught in the first week of Million Dollar Fish Season 6 seeing $35,000 in cash prizes going to eager Territory fishos.
Territorian Jamie Poniris was the first to hook onto a Season 6 red-tagged barra while holidaying at Kakadu ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park using a Territory Tourism voucher.
The 57.5cm barra was caught at Yellow Water just hours after the competition commenced on 1 October, with winnings anticipated to go towards his brother’s upcoming bucks night later this month.
The second red-tagged barra was reeled in by Karama resident Wilfredo Riddick near the Nightcliff Jetty on Saturday, 3 October.
Measuring 56cm in length, the $10,000 barra was released by the Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Major Events Natasha Fyles at the Nightcliff Boat Ramp just last week.
The first Double Tag Barra was hooked on Sunday by ‘stoked’ Queenslander Ryan Curtis, which measured a huge 98cm in length, caught on the Mary River.
The Mackay resident whose parents own Reidy’s Lures used a Reidy’s custom vibe to hook the lucrative prize earning him a huge $10,000 and $5,000 to give to a mate who’s had a tough year.
Million Dollar Fish Season 6 is the biggest to date, with seven $1 million barra swimming in Territory waterways, along with 98 red-tagged fish worth $10,000 remaining. The Season 6 runs .
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Major Events, Natasha Fyles:
“The season has barely commenced and we’re already handing out cheques to keen anglers. Here’s hoping the winning streak continues.
“Million Dollar Fish has always been a great out-of-peak-season concept, seeing locals use Territory Tourism Vouchers and supporting the tourism industry after a tough yeah is pleasing.”
As stated by SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning:
“On behalf of SportsBet, it’s fantastic to see three registered fishos already cash in through Million Dollar Fish just days after Season 6 began on 1 October.
“I’d like to congratulate the lucky anglers Jamie Poniris, Wilfredo Riddick and Jamie Curtis on reeling in the prize-tagged fish and look forward to presenting more cheques to registered participants throughout Season 6.
“Anyone can win through Million Dollar Fish and I would encourage locals and visitors alike to jump online and register for the chance to become a millionaire.
“SportsBet love being involved in Million Dollar Fish and we hope we can award one lucky fisho a cheque for $1 million this season.”
As stated by first winning fisho Jamie Poniris:
“I didn’t want to get too excited when I first saw the tag in case it wasn’t a winner. When I found out it was legit, I couldn’t believe it – the chances of catching a tagged fish are so slim.
“I’ve been barra fishing for about 10 years and have registered for Million Dollar Fish each year since it started but I never thought I would be the one to reel in a red-tag.
“I’ve got just about every colour and variety of fishing lure you can think of. I’d made one little modification to one in particular that I used out at Yellow Water which worked perfectly – one cast and that was it.
“The cash boost is wonderful and will come in very handy when planning my brother’s upcoming bucks party.
“I don’t like giving away my fishing secrets but I’ll definitely be going back and trying my luck at catching the Million Dollar Fish at Yellow Water.”
As stated by second winning fisho Wilfredo Riddick:
“I was just fishing on the rocks near the Nightcliff Jetty – I couldn’t believe it when I saw the red tag. I’ll put the money to good use and upgrade my boat.
“There were a few yahoos, that’s for sure. I went home and had a few celebratory beers over the weekend.
“I’ve always registered for Million Dollar Fish and get out fishing most weekends – I figured I would get hold of a red-tagged fish eventually.”
As stated by third winning fisho Ryan Curtis:
“It was amazing catching the first Double Tag Barra. I was stoked with the size of the fish alone – when I saw the tags it just took it to a whole other level.
“I came up to visit the in-laws and do some fishing. It was the first time I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish so we thought we’d stay up here for a few extra weeks and have a go at it.
“My parents own Reidy’s Fishing Lures and I caught the barra on a Reidy’s custom vibe – my parents are stoked about the catch!
“I’ve been up here about five or six times fishing over the past 15 years – I just love it. I look forward to spending the cash on an electric motor to go and catch more barra.”
