Local carpenter Michael Bullock has become the 9th fisho to reel in a barramundi worth $10,000 as part of the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.
Michael caught the 83.5 centimetre barra on a solo fishing trip last Friday at Manton Dam.
“I was enjoying a night out on the boat and it was the only fish I caught all night. I saw it was legal size and chucked it in the esky - it wasn’t until I got home and went to fillet my catch that I noticed a red tag,” Michael said.
“I go to Manton Dam to fish all the time but never thought I’d catch a red tagged fish worth $10,000 – when I saw the red tag I rang up my mum to share the news.”
The Million Dollar Fish competition kicked off on 1 October 2017, with nine $10,000 fish now reeled in and the $1 Million tagged barramundi still to be caught.
Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields congratulated Michael on being the 9th fisho to hook a prize-tagged fish.
“What a wonderful surprise to find a prized $10,000 barra in your esky, congratulations Michael on your catch,” 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.”
Manton Dam was built in 1942 and was Darwin’s first reliable water supply. Today the dam is a fantastic destination for an easy daytrip from Darwin and a popular recreation spot accessible year-round.
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 91 $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 ninth 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 this latest catch of number 9 for season 3 the competition has had a total of $270,000 in cash awarded.”
Season 3 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2017 until the end of 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.
To learn more about fishing in the Top End visit http://northernterritory.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/fishing/fishing-seasons/the-wet
Media contact: Department of Tourism and Culture 0428 052 647
Image: Michael celebrates with his $10,000 cheque
