Northern Territory Major Events Company
Territorian Tony McLean has found himself $2,500 richer after snagging the first Charity Fish tagged as part of the Million Dollar Fish competition.
Worth $5,000 in total, the purple-tagged barra will see Mr McLean take home a cheque for $2,500 with the other half donated to his Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charity of choice, The Starlight Children's Foundation.
The Wulagi resident was land-based fishing with a friend at East Point on Sunday morning when he reeled in the 56cm catch. While the purple-tagged barra was not the Million Dollar Fish, Mr McLean said he was very happy to win $2,500 and donate the other half to a cause that is very important to him.
There are more than four months remaining of Season 6 of the Million Dollar Fish competition. Nine fish have already been caught, with $87,500 paid out to the winning fishos and $2,500 donated to charity. That means there are still 93 $10,000 tagged barra, four Double Tag Barra worth $10,000 to the lucky fisho and $5,000 to their friend, and 19 $5,000 Charity Fish swimming around Territory waterways. And of course, the big ones are still out there - seven $1 million barra are still waiting to be caught (once the first $1 million fish is caught, the remaining six turn into $10,000 fish).
To be in the running to win great prizes – you don't even have to wet a line to win a share of the Lucky Prize Pool goodies - and bag the catch of your life, register at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.
As stated by NT Major Events CEO, Tim Watsford:
"It's fantastic to see the first Charity Fish of Season 6 finally caught. We've been waiting and waiting for this to happen, so one of the Million Dollar Fish-affiliated charities can receive $2,500.
"Since it launched in 2015, Million Dollar Fish has played an important role in spreading the word about the amazing fishing available here in the Territory, and helped support local businesses, from tackle shops and servos right up to hospitality and accommodation providers. It has also seen thousands of dollars donated to charity.
"This Season has been a game-changer with nine fish now caught in the first eight weeks of the competition. That's amazing. I'd encourage local and interstate anglers to register for Australia's richest fishing competition for the chance to become a millionaire."
As stated by SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning:
"On behalf of SportsBet, we are proud to partner with Northern Territory charities as part of Million Dollar Fish each year and I am thrilled to see the Starlight Children's Foundation be the first beneficiary of Season 6.
"I'm delighted to see the bonus Charity Fish caught by local fisho Tony McLean, and congratulate him on his prized-catch.
"There are still plenty of red and purple-tagged fish swimming around Top End waterways, so I would urge everyone to register and hit the water for the chance to bag the catch of your life."
As stated by Starlight Children's Foundation Program Manager NT Emma Puddy:
"We're so excited to be a part of the Million Dollar Fish campaign again in 2020. Starlight relies on the community for support and this year more than ever these funds are vital for us to continue to help make a difference to sick kids in the NT."
As stated by Winning Fisho Tony McLean:
"I was fishing with a mate on Sunday morning and it wasn't until we put the fish in the esky that we noticed it had a tag in it.
"We've had a few celebratory beers since reeling in the Charity Fish and I'm very pleased to be able to give $2,500 to the Starlight Children's Foundation – it's a cause that is important to me.
"I've decided to split half the cash with my mate who was with me. He's going to put the money towards new fishing gear and my wife needs a new lawn mower so that's what I'll be spending my winnings on."
