Not that long ago the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition was scheduled for the start of October, but rumours suggested the chosen ones, barramundi, had been tagged and released across fishing locations in the Top End. One of those “barra” carried a lofty $1 million prize tag.
The question had to be asked: what if we landed the big one before the contest even began? Even just hauling in one of the other 75 with $10,000 prize tags could well and truly have been a fishy case of the one that got away.
It wasn’t to be, unfortunately, and certainly only a rumour the “big one” was already out there. The good news is the Million Dollar Fish comp is back for a bumper fourth season, and with the odds better than ever, it's time to plan your next trip to the unmissable Top End.
Not only is it a chance to return home a millionaire, but you’re also guaranteed some serious adventure while exploring Darwin and surrounds in the low season.
And it's not just a prize fish you'll be reeling in. The competition runs across some of the Top End's most breathtaking fishing destinations from the picturesque landscape of Corroboree Billabong in the Mary River region to the pristine waters of Coburg in the remote wilderness of Arnhem Land. Two $10,000 fish have already been caught and claimed in Kakadu's Yellow Water Billabong, which is proving to be a season four hot spot.
“It's the people's fishing competition. The Top End's peak barra fishing season is always spectacular and I think everyone should experience the thrill and adventure of hooking an iconic NT barra,” he said.
Mr Hayden said that once the first Million Dollar Fish was caught, the remaining four would revert to $10,000 bounties.
“And, if the Million Dollar fish hasn't been caught by the end of March, the season will be extended until 30 September 2019 for the major prize only,” he said. “All 125 tagged barramundi have been released in Top End waters around Kakadu, the Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Darwin and Arnhem Land and it's anyone's guess where the million-dollar fish is swimming.”
The competition is free to enter, and participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au to be eligible for cash and sponsor prizes.