Another fish has been caught in Season 3 of the Million Dollar Fish competition with local Darwin woman Sue Swindale landing a 75 centimetre $10,000 prize-tagged barra from the Mary River Bridge Lagoon on Saturday, 7 October 2017.

Ms Swindale’s catch is the fourth barramundi worth $10,000 to be caught as part of the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.

The Million Dollar Fish competition kicked off on 1 October 2017, with the $1 Million tagged barramundi still to be caught.

Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said yesterday we had confirmed two fish, both worth $10,000 each.

“Both were also reeled in over the weekend with William Budd reeling in his 58 centimetre barra from the Southport Boatramp, Berry Springs and James McDonald, the third winner in Season 3 with his 63 centimetre $10,000 prized barra caught at Shady Camp, Mary River National Park.

“Again, what a fantastic weekend of fishing in the Top End – it’s a weekend hat trick catch with William, James and now Sue’s catch,” Mr Shields said.

“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.

“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 96 $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,” said Mr Shields.

Ms Swindale said she had heard about the Million Dollar Fish campaign from the media and had registered on www.milliondollarfish.com.au in all three seasons.

“Fishing is my peace. My husband Ken and I fish every weekend, we do all the billabongs - Corroboree. Hardies, Shady Camp and we love to fish and stay at the Mary River,” Ms Swindle said.

Ms Swindle has landed some big fish in the past, catching an 89 centimetre barra at Hardies and an 87 centimetre barra in the Elizabeth River, and she has a brag book to prove it.

“We have been taking the grandkids fishing when they visit the NT with us since they were 6 weeks old, they’re now 16 and 12 and our brag book records every fish caught in the boat.”

Ms Swindale added that she had been fighting to land the prized 75 centimetre prized barra for a little while when husband Ken scooped it up and noticed the red tag.

“I didn’t know the red tag meant a prized fish – I thought it was either a tracking device or maybe last seasons – then we saw the tag had season three and it’s just been a waiting game to see what it might be worth.”

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 fourth 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 might top both seasons.”

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 0447 085 308.