Local angler Greg Fry is the first to reel in a tagged barra worth $10,000 as part of Million Dollar Fish, Season 5.
The prize-tagged Barra was caught at Manton Dam while Mr Fry was out fishing with friends at the weekend.
Season 5 kicked off on 1 October and saw 121 tagged Barrumundi released; one red-tagged $1 million Barra, 100 red-tagged Barramundi worth $10,000 each and 20 purple-tagged Barramundi, worth $5,000 each to be split between the fisho and an NT based charity.
There are still six million reasons to fish the Top End as the previous seasons' $1 million tag numbers are still active. The tag numbers include:
- S1-MDF1469
- S2-MDF2656
- S3-MDF3556
- S4-MDF4540 and S4-MDF4663
Season 5 runs to 31 March 2020 and entry is free. To be in the running, participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au
You 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 noted by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
"The Million Dollar Fish competition is recognised as Australia's richest fishing competition and is also a favourite with Territorians vying for their chance at the million dollar catch.
"The Territory Labor Government continues to promote the Territory as an unrivalled fishing destination, and this initiative aims to drive more visitors to the Top End over the Tropical Summer and to enjoy our unique tourism experiences while they're here."
As noted by Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:
"We all know the Territory is a great place to fish, and the Million Dollar Fish competition only reinforces this. As well as being a favourite past time for many Territorians, recreational fishing drives local jobs.
"The Territory Labor Government is serious about recognising recreational fishing for the benefits it brings our economy and lifestyle, which is why we committed $50 million dollars over five years to support and advance the opportunities for fishers both local to the NT and visiting.
As noted by winning angler, Greg Fry of Palmerston:
"We got out to Manton Dam late Saturday night, it was a bit of a last minute decision to get out there.
"It was pretty quiet for the first hour or two, and then at around 2am on Sunday morning we hooked up and it was on from there.
"I was a little but underwhelmed and didn't get too excited when I first saw the red tag because I thought it was one of the older seasons.
"Once it kicked in, I felt a little bit of disbelief. We were pretty stoked and had a small celebration on the boat – everyone was hi-fiving and so happy.
"My mates and I decided that we'll share the money, so 50 percent to the fisho and the other 50 percent to be divvied up amongst everyone else.
"My wife's got a birthday coming up, so she might get a better present this year than in years gone past but other than that, it'll come in handy coming up to Christmas."
As noted 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 Season 5 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 we're hoping season five will reel in the big one.
"Over the past four Million Dollar Fish seasons more than 35 people have won over $300,000 in prize money."
