Australia’s richest fishing competition and the Territory’s own, Million Dollar Fish will kick off Season 5 with a staggering six tagged Barramundi worth $1 million each.

The Million Dollar Fish Competition reels in fishing fanatics to the Territory, providing a boost to tourism and local tourism operators.

This year’s competition will see a total of 121 tagged Barramundi released around the Top End including one red-tagged $1 million Barra marked Season 5 and 100 red-tagged Barra’s worth $10,000 each.

A further 20 purple-tagged Barramundi each worth $5,000 have been released, to be split between the lucky fisho and their choice of three NT based charities; Cancer Council NT, Star Ball through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the Shimano Junior Indigenous Guide Program, through the Hayden & Reynolds Project.

The $1 million tagged Barra’s from Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 remain active in Season 5 of the competition, with the bonus season for Season 4 live until 30 September or until the first $1 million barra is caught.

The previous season's $1 million tag numbers to look out for include:

·        S1-MDF1469

·        S2-MDF2656

·        S3-MDF3556

·        S4-MDF4540 and S4-MDF4663

The $1 million tag number for the upcoming Season 5 Million Dollar Fish competition will remain a secret until the end of Season 5.

Season 5 kicks off on 1 October 2019 and runs to 31 March 2020.

Entry is free and competition participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au

By registering for the competition, participants will be entered into the draw for more than $30,000 worth of prizes from Anaconda, Bigfish Gear, Engel, Shimano and Holidays of Australia and the World.

Quotes from Minister for Sport, Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss:

“We recognise that the tourism industry is one of the primary drivers of our economy, with Tourism in the Territory directly and indirectly employing 17,100 people.

“The Million Dollar Fish competition is a favourite with Territorians and visitors, helping to secure the Territory’s place among the world’s most renowned fishing destinations.

“The Territory Labor Government continues to work hard to attract new and repeat visitors to enjoy our exceptional tourism experiences.

“The secret is well and truly out on the Territory being an unrivalled fishing destination, now through our Signature Dish Series in partnership with Hospitality NT, we are seeing Territory seafood help to raise the profile of Territory produce and promote the NT as a must-do holiday destination for foodies.”

Quotes from Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Paul Kirby:

“The Northern Territory boasts the largest numbers of barramundi in Australia and in a boost for recreational fishing and a first for the Territory, construction is underway to build four artificial reefs designed to replicate the best possible natural reef habitat in the Greater Darwin region.

“While it will take several years for the artificial reefs to fully establish, this project will improve recreational fishing as a popular lifestyle and tourism activity attracting both local and visiting fishers to drop a line in NT waters.

“I urge fishos to Be Crocwise and responsible on the water by downloading the free NT Fishing Mate app which features information on applicable bag limits, boat ramps and water safety information.”

Quotes from BetEasy Strategic Partnerships Manager, Brad Fanning:

“Season 5 is a game-changer. With six $1 million fish swimming in NT waters, the odds are better than ever to snag $1 million in the NT.

“The 121 tagged barramundi for Season 5 have again been released in Darwin and other prime Territory fishing destinations, including Kakadu, Katherine, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land regions.

“BetEasy is proud to be behind the greatest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish and we’re waiting for a huge pay day for one lucky angler in Season 5.”

“If the $1 million fish is not caught within the competition timeframe, all six $1 million prize tagged fish will remain active post-competition between 31 March 2020 to 30 September 2020, with the first to be caught awarding the participant $1 million.” 

Media contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858 lisaj.sennett@nt.gov.au