Darwin man Chris Louden has become the third fisho to reel in a barramundi worth $10,000 as part of the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.
The $10,000 72 centimetre prize-tagged barra was caught yesterday morning at Corroboree Billabong while the 34 year old was fishing with his brother and a friend.
The recapture is the third since the competition began one week ago with the first two fish caught in Darwin Harbour and Daly River respectively.
“To have so many fish caught already in the first week of the competition is incredible,” said Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields.
“There’s a real buzz about Million Dollar Fish both here and interstate and it just goes to show that these fish can be caught and you have to be in it to win it.
“The competition has already delivered substantial exposure for the Northern Territory and with more than 25,000 people registered for the competition we expect it to lure more visitors to the Territory in our off-peak tourism season, which is one of the best times to fish for barramundi.”
Mr Louden said he will spend his $10,000 prize on fixing his car and a new fishing rod.
“My car broke down last week so it’s about time I got some good luck,” he said.
“The barra put up a good fight it took at least 10 minutes to reel it in and we didn’t even know it had a tag in it until we got it on the boat and then we saw it I said you’re joking!”
In a twist of fate, Mr Louden’s brother Brad caught a Season 1 Million Dollar Fish tagged barra last week, which was ineligible for any cash prize. The catch spurring the pair on to go out again and try their luck.
“I think he might be asking for a loan,” Mr Louden said of his brother.
CrownBet CEO Matt Tripp, major sponsor of the competition and underwriters of the cash prizes, said he was delighted that the third red tagged barramundi was caught so soon.
"What a magnificent start with three recaptures in different locations in the first week.
"If you haven't already, register and get to the NT before all the barra are caught."
In Season 2 of Million Dollar Fish, 101 barramundi were tagged and released across the Territory with 100 carrying $10,000 cash prize tags. Today’s win means there are still 97 $10,000 barras lurking and the prized million dollar fish to be caught.
The Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2015 – 28 February 2016.
Participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.
ENDS
Photos attached: Chris Louden with the third $10,000 Season 2 Million Dollar Fish
Media Contact: Lisa Andrews, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634
