Million Dollar Fish Season 9 gets underway on Sunday, with two new million dollar tagged barramundi released to kick the season off in style.
Releasing two big ones is the first in a raft of initiatives that will ensure a lucky fisho definitely reels in the million this season!
Along with the two $1 million dollar red-tagged barra, 100 sporting $10,000 tags have also been released for Australia's richest fishing competition, underwritten by SportsBet.
Red-tagged barra are released in the Top End's five main fishing regions - Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.
Since Million Dollar Fish began in 2015, 11 barramundi with a million dollar tag have been released and all remain eligible to be caught.
Once a million dollar tagged fish is hooked, all other million dollar tagged fish become $10,000 fish for the rest of the season.
Enthusiasm for Season 9 is high thanks to the promise of the million dollars going off and almost 17,000 eager anglers have already registered.
Registration is free and you must be registered for Season 9 to claim any cash from a red-tagged catch. Once registered, entrants also go into the Lucky Prize Pool, with almost $50,000 in prizes up for grabs.
The Million Dollar Fish competition delivers a huge boost for the Territory economy, with Season 8 generating a total expenditure stimulus of $70.8 million - $23.6 million of which was new money to the Top End region.
It also delivers for the community, with winning fishos able to donate $1,000 to a Million Dollar Fish Official Charity Partner when they snag a $10,000 barra. A further $10,000 will be donated to an Official Charity Partner when a Million Dollar Fish is reeled in.
This year's Official Charity Partners are Cancer Council NT, Shoreline, Starlight Children's Foundation Darwin Star Ball and Riding for the Disabled Association Top End.
Prep your lines and get ready to hit the water for the season opening or celebrate at the official launch at the Darwin Waterfront Beach Club from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday. There will be plenty of prizes and giveaways on offer, including fishing charters and HeliFish tours.
Season 9 runs until 31 March 2024. Register now at [http://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
"It's exciting to think that one lucky fisho will become a millionaire by doing something they love thanks to Million Dollar Fish.
"There's a thrilling season ahead for anglers with a raft of initiatives in store to shake up the competition and showcase the very best of fishing in the Northern Territory.
"Million Dollar Fish has lured people from all over the world to the NT to wet a line and try their luck, so make sure you register and get out on the water for the chance to become a millionaire and get yourself in the history books!"
Quotes attributable to SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager, Thijs Bors:
"Excitement is building for Season 9, and SportsBet can't wait to hand over a million dollars to a lucky fisho!
"As I always say, you've got to fish it to win it, so make sure you register then get out there on the water as much as possible.
"Remember to fish responsibly, and only barra carrying a red 'MDF' tag are part of the competition.
"You don't need loads of expensive gear to win, or even a boat. We've had fishos reel in $10,000 on handlines and from the shore. Anything is possible!"
Northern Territory Government
