It's raining red-tagged fish in the Top End, with two more prize-tagged barramundi reeled in during Season 8 of Australia's richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish.
Daly River's Darryl McLeod hooked his 76cm barra while land-based fishing at the Daly River Crossing on Thursday, 13 October. Worth a cool $10,000, Darryl said he plans to put the cash towards a new boat so he can head out on the water and catch the Million Dollar Fish. Luck seems to be on Darryl's side, after bagging a $10,000 barra last season as well. His partner Kaitlyn Ahfat is also a winner, having reeled in her $10,000 catch back in Season 6. All three tagged fish caught by Darryl and Kaitlyn were caught at Daly River Crossing.
Darryl's was the third fish caught in Season 8, and was closely followed by fish number four, caught by Kurt Williamson of Dundee Beach. He hooked himself a 56cm, $10,000 barramundi in Bynoe Harbour on Friday, 14 October. Kurt, a self-confessed barra addict, said he plans on putting his money away for Christmas time. A professional fishing guide, Kurt was stoked to finally get his own red tag in the bag after witnessing one of his Queensland-based clients reel in a Season 7 $10,000 fish in March earlier this year.
Each time a Season 8 $10,000 barra is caught, an extra $1,000 is given to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Darryl decided to give his cash to Cancer Council NT, while Kurt opted to donate his $1,000 to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Season 8 of Million Dollar Fish began on 1 October, and there are still plenty of $10,000 fish swimming around Top End waterways. The chances of pocketing a million bucks have never been higher, with nine fish worth a million dollars now released in five fishing regions - Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, as well as those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught.
There's still plenty of time to explore the Territory's world-class fishing regions and track down Australia's most wanted fish, with Season 8 closing on 31 March 2023. To claim any cash, fishos must be registered for Season 8. This also enters them into the draw to win thousands of dollars' worth of great prizes as part of the Lucky Prize Pool. Holidays, flights, fishing and camping equipment are just some of the items up for grabs.
For the chance to become a millionaire, register at [http://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) Head of Events and Operations Coryn Huddy:
"Million Dollar Fish is off to a great start, with four red-tagged barramundi caught right across the Top End since Season 8 opened on 1 October.
"This initiative does so much for the Territory, attracting interstate visitors, supporting local businesses, building a stronger economy and enhancing our incredible lifestyle - Million Dollar Fish ticks all these boxes.
"We look forward to more lucky fishos catching tagged fish, and wish all fishos the best of luck as they head out to explore our world-class fishing regions as part of Season 8."
Quotes from SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
"It's great to see so many red-tagged fish caught already. The chances of hooking a red-tagged barramundi have never been better, so I'd encourage everyone to register and hit the water for the chance to catch the Million Dollar Fish.
"SportsBet can't wait to hand out more prizes to registered participants, with dozens of prize-tagged barra out there just waiting to be caught!"
Quotes from winning fisho Darryl McLeod:
"I was so happy and excited when I saw the red tag. It barely put up a fight when I reeled it in.
"I'm going to put the cash towards a new boat and hopefully go catch the Million Dollar Fish!"
Quotes from winning fisho Kurt Williamson:
"I've been trying to catch a red tag for years - I've always registered for Million Dollar Fish but never thought I'd catch one.
"I was very surprised when I saw the tag. I'm not too sure what I'll put the money towards yet, but it's a nice little bonus in time for Christmas."
