7 days in to the Million Dollar Fish competition two local NT fisho’s have each landed a $10,000 prize-tagged barra.
18 year old NT resident William Budd has become the second fisho to reel in a barramundi worth $10,000 as part of the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.
William caught the prized 58 centimetre barra off the Southport Boat Ramp, Berry Springs – a regular fishing spot across the road from his house on Saturday 7 October.
The other lucky fisho to reel in a $10,000 barra was James McDonald, who caught a 63cm prize-tagged barra in Shady Camp Lagoon while fishing with mates and became the third winner in Season 3 of the competition.
The Million Dollar Fish competition kicked off on 1 October 2017, with the $1 Million tagged barramundi still to be caught.
“I’m delighted to see two fish both worth $10,000 each go off – what a fantastic weekend of fishing in the Top End - congratulations to both William and James,” said CEO for Tourism and Culture Alastair Shields.
“The Million Dollar Fish competition is a great initiative that has helped to boost the NT’s reputation as the best place in the world to stay, play and fish and lure more visitors to the Territory during our low season from October to February,” Mr Shields said.
“I encourage all anglers and their families to come to the Territory, try their luck at catching the million dollar fish and enjoy our unique tourism experiences while they’re here.
“In Season 3 of the competition, 101 barramundi have been tagged and released across the Territory with 100 carrying $10,000 cash prize tags. That means there are still 97 $10,000 barra's lurking and the prized million dollar fish to be caught, plus a fantastic haul of prizes to be won just by registering for the competition.”
“So if you want to wet a line on the chance you can win, register for free on www.milliondollarfish.com.au and book a holiday to the NT today.”
James said he registered on www.milliondollarfish.com.au to take part in the competition.
“It was pretty hectic when we caught it, lots of man loving and hugging,” he said.
While James’ 63cm barra was not the prized one million dollar fish, James is planning to share some of the cash with his fishing mates.
Million Dollar Fish campaign ambassador and Mate of the Territory Matthew Hayden said William and James’ winning catches should encourage others to book a holiday to the NT.
“The million dollar barra is still out there in Top End waters, so stop guessing if you can catch it and start heading to the NT to find out.
“Fishing in the Top End is like nowhere else; just being immersed in nature and the big skies – it’s an amazing holiday I think all Aussies should experience.”
The Million Dollar Fish competition attracts approximately 40,000 interstate visitors to the Top End for fishing each year, as well as an additional 40,000 Territorians that travel to fish across the year.
CrownBet CEO Matt Tripp said he was delighted to see the second and third tagged barra caught in a great start to the season.
“Million Dollar Fish is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, and we’re hoping season 3 will reel in the big one.
“Season 1 saw 10 prize-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each caught and season two reeled in eight $10,000 barra’s, so the competition has had a total of $180,000 in cash awarded and we’re tipping season three to be just as successful.”
Season 3 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2017 to 28 February 2018 and participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au for their chance to win a prized barra or one of the sponsors’ prizes.
For information on NT fishing regulations and best practice catch and release methods download the free Northern Territory (NT) Fishing Mate app on your smart phone.
Media contact: Department of Tourism and Culture Anne Lobo 0428 052 647
