A fourth barramundi worth $10,000 has been caught just two weeks into the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.

The $10,000 72 centimetre prize-tagged barra was caught at Daly River late on Wednesday night by local, Kurt Baumann who remarkably was also a winner in Season 1 of the competition.

“Congratulations to Kurt on his second win in the Million Dollar Fish competition, what an amazing achievement,” said Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields.

“Both Kurt’s wins in Season 1 and Season 2 of Million Dollar Fish were hooked without a boat, which just goes to show all you need to do to be a winner is book a holiday up to the NT and wet a line. It’s that easy.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the competition with four $10,000 fish caught in the first two weeks and $40,000 in cash prizes handed out.

“Fishing fever has hit the Northern Territory. Boat ramps are full and almost 30,000 people now registered for the competition with half of those from interstate which is great for our tourism industry.”

Baumann’s recapture is the second prized fish from Season 2 of Million Dollar Fish to be caught at Daly River, a popular fish spot two and a half hours from Darwin.

“I wasn’t sure the barra was a winner at first, so I kept on fishing for around 20 minutes before checking for the tag. When I saw it, I got really excited and called my partner straight away. I wondered if I was seeing clearly,” said the 32 year old keen fisherman.

“There are more chances to win this year, with more fish in the water. You never know, I might even win a third.”  

The father of two said he wasn’t sure how to spend his $10,000 cash prize just yet.

CrownBet CEO Matt Tripp, major sponsor of the competition and underwriters of the cash prizes, said he was stunned and excited to be told of another red tag recapture at the mighty Daly River.

"Congratulations to Kurt what a stunning result. Million Dollar Fish is now certainly the most iconic fishing and tourism event in Australia. Get to the NT to Stay Play and Fish,” he said.

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 96 $10,000 barras lurking and the prized million dollar fish to be caught.

The Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2016 – 28 February 2017.

Participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au. 

ENDS

Photos attached: Kurt Baumann with his $10,000 barramundi

Media Contact: Lisa Andrews, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634