Local hero Hiroaki (Hiro) Nakamura has become the 8th fisho to reel in a barramundi worth $10,000 as part of the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.

Hiro was land based fishing yesterday afternoon at one of his favourite spots at Mindil Beach, Fannie Bay when he reeled in the 59 centimetre barramundi which is also the 1092nd barramundi he has caught using a lure.

“At first I saw a stick covered in seaweed, then when I cleaned it off I could see it was a red tag and I thought ‘Oh My God’ - maybe not a million but probably a $10,000 one,” Hiro said.

Hiro recently went fishing with Channel 10’s The Project where he shared with comedian and panellist Tommy Little why happiness begins with barramundi fishing. “If you would be happy in your whole life, it begins at barramundi fishing”.

The Million Dollar Fish competition kicked off on 1 October 2017, with eight $10,000 fish reeled in on the 33rd day of the competition and the $1 Million tagged barramundi still to be caught.

Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields congratulated Hiro on being the 8th fisho to hook a prize-tagged fish.

“Hiro is a wonderful advocate for barra fishing in the NT, and I’m very pleased that after catching 1091 barra in Darwin number 1092 proved to be his luckiest fish yet,” 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.”

The Million Dollar Fish competition is a great initiative that has helped 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 the wet season from October to February.

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 92 $10,000 barra's lurking and the prized Million Dollar Fish to be caught, plus a 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.

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 eighth tagged barra caught this season.

“Million Dollar Fish is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, and with the way this season has gone this far we’re tipping season 3 will reel in the big one.

"Season 1 saw 10 prize-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each caught, season 2 reeled in eight $10,000 barra’s, with season 3 already caught up to season 2 the competition has had a total of $260,000 in cash awarded.”

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 0428 052 647

Links:
Hiro featured on Channel 10’s the Project https://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/the-project/extra/season-9/gone-fishin

Hiro captured the moment he reeled in the prized fish https://www.facebook.com/hiroaki.nakamura.969/videos/10154705558421065/

Follow Hiro’s fishing adventures in the NT on his blog http://secretbarramundi.blogspot.com.au/