Northern Territory Major Events Company
The prize-tagged fish was caught on a New Year fishing trip at Adelaide River with his cousin Pete.
While Mr Cooper's 59cm catch was not one of the six red-tagged $1 million fish, he said the money would be put to good use in paying for repairs to his boat trailer so he can get back out on the water and do more fishing.
In Season 5 of the Million Dollar Fish competition, 121 Barramundi have been tagged and released across the Territory including 100 carrying $10,000 cash prize tags and a further 20 purple-tagged Barra each worth $5,000 to be split between the angler and one of three Northern Territory-based charities.
For the first time in the competition, Season 5 has a staggering six prize-tagged Barramundi worth $1 million each, including a Season 5 tagged Million Dollar Fish and an additional five Barra with $1 million prize tags from Seasons 1 to 4.
Season 5 of the Million Dollar Fish competition will run until 31 March 2020.
To be in the running to win a prized-tagged fish, register for the competition at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.
Participants will also go into the draw for more than $30,000 worth of prizes from Anaconda, Bigfish Gear, Engel, Shimano and Holidays of Australia and the World.
As stated by winning angler Darwin resident, Jamie Cooper:
"I felt a little bit of disbelief. I was excited but pretty shocked and couldn't believe that I had managed to reel in a tagged Barra.
"My usual fishing spots are around Shoal Day and Darwin Harbour but we decided to head down to Adelaide River on a day trip for a spot of land-based fishing.
"The prize money will go towards repairing my boat trailer so I can get back out on the water and do even more fishing in the Territory.
"It's the perfect start to the year, I think 2020 might be my luckiest year yet."
As stated by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) General Manager Tim Watsford:
"I'm delighted to kick off 2020 with a bang and see Darwin resident Jamie Cooper take home one of the $10,000 prizes.
"The Million Dollar Fish competition is a great initiative that has helped to boost the NT's reputation as the best place in the world to stay, play and fish and lure more visitors to the Territory.
"I encourage all anglers and their families to come and try their luck at catching the Million Dollar Fish and enjoy our unique tourism experiences while they're here. Whether it's catching a Barra straight from the river, like Jamie, or taking one of our world-class fishing charters, the Territory is teeming with some of the most iconic fishing spots in Australia.
"There's never been a better time to visit and who knows, the million dollar fish might be next."
As stated by BetEasy Strategic Partnerships Manager Brad Fanning:
"As the major sponsor of the Million Dollar Fish competition, we're thrilled to have the first $10,000 Barra of 2020 reeled in.
"There's still six $1 million dollar Barra in Top End waters in a game-changing move for Season 5.
"Million Dollar Fish is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, and the Territory is one of the best places in the world to fish.
"Since the competition launch, more than 35 people have won over $340,000 in prize money."
