Territory Ranger Matthew Rawlinson has reeled in the first $10,000 fish of this year’s Million Dollar Fish competition, but the capture came with a few complications.
Speaking at Sunday’s Gone Fishing Day celebration at Darwin Waterfront, the Territory fisho said a hole in his landing net meant the prize-winning fish almost escaped into the wild billabongs of Kakadu National Park.
Matthew and his children were fishing Yellow Water Billabong, about three hours’ drive from Darwin in the stunning Kakadu National Park, when he caught the red-tagged 65cm barra.
The fourth season of the Million Dollar Fish competition commenced on 1 October 2018, with more chances than ever to catch a $1 million fish.
In this year’s competition, the number of $1 million fish has been increased to five, which is expected to reel in fishing fanatics to the Territory and give a boost to tourism and local tourism operators and create jobs.
There is a special new category of 20 fish, with purple tags, worth $2,500 cash to the angler plus $2,500 to a Territory-based charity.
Those looking to come to the Territory and catch a Million Dollar Fish can register for free on www.milliondollarfish.com.au and book a holiday to the Territory today.
For information on Territory fishing regulations and best practice catch and release methods, download the free Northern Territory (NT) Fishing Mate app on your smart phone.
Quotes from the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss
“I’m delighted to see the first of the $10,000 prize go off and I’d like to offer my congratulations to Matthew and his family.
“The Million Dollar Fish competition is a great initiative that has helped to boost the Territory’s reputation as the best place in the world to stay, play and fish and lure more visitors to the Territory.
“In Season 4 of the competition, 100x $10,000 barramundi have been tagged and released across the Territory, a special new charity category of 20 fish, with purple tags, and there’s an additional five fish worth $1 million to the lucky angler who catches one of them first.
“That means there are still five $1 million fish out in Territory waters, waiting to be caught.”
Quotes from BetEasy Strategic Partnership Manager, Brad Fanning
“Million Dollar Fish is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, and we’re hoping season four will reel in the big one,” Mr Fanning said.
“We’ve given away more than $320,000 in prize money for Million Dollar Fish over the last three seasons and we can’t wait for someone to change their lives with a single cast.”
Quotes from Matthew Rawlinson
“We got it near the boat, saw the red tag, and the fish fell out of the net.
“I thought it was gone, because that’s what usually happens, but we got the fish back in, netted it and got it in the boat.”
Media contact: Trish Grimshaw 0401 119 242