The recent monsoonal activity in the Top End hasn’t cast a dampener on eagle-eyed fishos who still have their eyes firmly on the coveted million dollar prize.
As the clock slowly ticks down on Season 3 of the Million Dollar Fish competition, local anglers have switched tactics to suit conditions and have taken to land-based fishing spots including the Howard River Iron Bridge; to using live mullet from West Arm to fish the rocks in and around Talc Head; and they’ve swarmed Darwin Harbour in a last ditch effort to land the elusive Million Dollar barra.
Pre-season 3, who’d have ever thought you’d be able to land a good sized barramundi from the side of a highway? Recently, one flukey Wet Season angler landed a nice silver barra from the roadside at Little Finniss, near the Litchfield Caravan Park Bridge, and posted about his exploits on social media.
While his prized catch didn’t have the tell-tale red tag, his catch-of-the-day reinvigorated interest in the competition as local fishos strive to outdo each other and to entice the Million Dollar Fish onto their lines in the last few weeks of competition.
Department of Tourism and Culture Acting Deputy CEO Andrew Hopper said so far, Season 3 of the competition has seen a whopping $120,000 in cash prizes given away to registered entrants, but 88 of the $10,000 tagged fish and the all-important Million Dollar Fish are still swimming freely through Top End waterways.
“When it comes to fishing in the NT, there’s a fishing experience on offer for every type of angler,” Mr Hopper said.
“Without the benefit of local knowledge, one of the best options for visitors to the Territory to catch a tagged fish is by booking a fishing expedition with a local fishing operator.”
But, believe it or not, Million Dollar Fish is not all about the fishing as NT Resident, Tania Bott, will tell you. Ms Bott, who has registered in all three seasons, recently won a state-of-the-art $30,000 Jayco Swan Outback Camper Trailer in one of the Million Dollar Fish’s regular prize pool draws.
To date, more than $74,000 worth of prizes have been given away, with a $14,000 Cobourg Fishing Safari Holiday package – complete with flights, transfers and accommodation - and two $1000 BCF gift cards still up for grabs. These and any remaining sponsors’ prizes will be drawn on Thursday 22 February ahead of competition close on Wednesday 28 February.
“I urge everyone to register for the competition at www.milliondollarfish.com.au – registration is free and if you have no luck catching a prize-tagged fish there is still time to win one of the other incredible prizes still on offer,” Mr Hopper added.
To find the perfect NT fishing experience visit www.tourismtopend.com.au/things-to-do/fishing-tours 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 and always remember to #BeCrocwise when fishing.
Media contact: Department of Tourism and Culture – 0428 052 647
