1 November 2026
Darwin angler becomes just the second person to win the top prize in the Territory’s Million Dollar Fish history.
Cruisy night out with his brother becomes a life-changing moment for Territory-born Matthew Maurice.
Chief Minister says the million-dollar haul shows ‘dreams come to life in the Territory’.
Darwin angler Matthew Maurice has made Million Dollar Fish history, reeling in the only $1 million-tagged barramundi released for Season 12 and becoming just the second person in the competition’s 12-year history to claim the iconic prize.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro broke the life-changing news to Matthew in person, telling him: “You want to know what I have to say, because I’m about to give you the best news of your life!”
Matthew then broke down in tears as he hugged the Chief Minister, before calling his mother and saying: “Mum, I’ve caught the million-dollar barra! I’m a millionaire!”
The Chief Minister said: “The million-dollar catch shows yet again that dreams come to life in the Territory!
“Congratulations to Matthew on landing the catch of a lifetime and becoming just the second person in Million Dollar Fish history to reel in the $1 million barra. It’s an extraordinary moment for Matthew, his family and for the Territory.
“What started as a chilled night out with his brother at Corroboree Billabong has turned into a life-changing story that captures everything people love about the Territory – adventure, mateship and the thrill that can come from throwing in a line.
“Million Dollar Fish continues to put the Territory on the map as one of the world’s great fishing destinations, attracting visitors, supporting local jobs and creating unforgettable experiences on our waterways.
“Matthew’s incredible catch is proof that every cast counts in the Territory. You never know when the next fish could change your life, and that’s what makes Million Dollar Fish such a unique and exciting competition.”
The million-dollar moment came during what was meant to be nothing more than a casual night out fishing for Territory-born Matthew Maurice and his younger brother, who was visiting from overseas.
The pair launched late on Thursday, 29 October, simply to spend time together at Corroboree Billabong, with Matthew casting a suspended jerkbait while chatting and enjoying a quiet evening on the water.
When a barramundi measuring just over 80cm took the lure and a bright red tag flashed as the fish jumped, it changed Matthew’s life. The regular Million Dollar Fish participant said that as soon as he saw “Season 12” on the tag, it was all adrenaline and his legs were shaking.
“I saw the fish jump within the first 10 seconds and spotted a bright red tag hanging out of it. It was probably the most stressful two minutes of my life,” Matthew said.
“I’m just happy to catch fish. I can’t believe I caught a million dollars’ worth of fish. Any barra is a good barra, especially the million-dollar one.
“It’s surreal. I feel like I’m in a dream. I don’t think I should be allowed to touch the money. Someone else might need to look after it for me. But I’ll probably be smart with it, buy a house, pay off anything I need to pay off, and then treat myself a little bit.”
With onlookers from a nearby houseboat cheering them on, the brothers landed the fish and unknowingly secured one of the most remarkable catches in Million Dollar Fish history.
While the $1 million fish has now been claimed and there are no remaining active million-dollar-tagged barramundi in Territory waters, fishos still have plenty to cast for, with 96 red-tagged $10,000 fish remaining across the Northern Territory until the season concludes on 31 March 2027.
The life-changing catch follows the competition’s first million-dollar winner, Katherine local Keegan Payne, who landed the Season 9 million dollar fish in April 2024, just hours before the extended season closed.
As Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish has now awarded more than $2.47 million in prize money over its 12-year history. The competition continues to attract recreational fishers from across the country to the Northern Territory, showcasing the Territory’s world-class fishing experiences and delivering significant tourism benefits.
Supported by SportsBet, Season 12 has delivered another unforgettable chapter for the competition, with Matthew’s historic catch highlighting the excitement, opportunity and life-changing moments that make Million Dollar Fish unique.
Sportsbet CEO, Doug Brown, said: “As the major sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, we’re absolutely thrilled that Australia’s most sought-after fish has been caught, again!
“Sportsbet brings excitement to life for our customers every day and it doesn’t get more exciting than seeing another Territorian take home the big prize in Season 12 of the world’s best fishing competition.”
Tourism and Events NT CEO, Suzana Bishop, said Million Dollar Fish continues to capture the imagination of fishos across Australia and increases tourism visitation.
“Every season, people head out onto Territory waterways dreaming of landing a tagged barra, and Matthew’s incredible catch proves that anyone can be the next winner,” Ms Bishop said.
“To have only the second million-dollar fish caught in the competition’s 12-year history is a truly remarkable moment. It highlights the excitement, anticipation and life-changing opportunities that make Million Dollar Fish Australia’s richest and most iconic fishing competition.
“Beyond the prize money, Million Dollar Fish showcases the Northern Territory’s world-class fishing, drives visitation from around the country and creates unforgettable stories that stay with people for a lifetime.”
The winning catch will also deliver benefits beyond the water, with an additional $10,000 donated to official charity partner Surf Life Saving NT. More than $133,000 has now been donated to charities through Million Dollar Fish since the competition began.
Season 12 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs until 31 March 2027. To be eligible to claim any prize money, fishers must be registered. Registration is free and automatically enters participants into the monthly prize draw. Register now at [https://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Photos and video available here:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/m6oqben99kcgk82d5k6dt/AFx4ZnV-O4VDhVt190Bj1Vk?rlkey=1gnv3rgkpitm2zozos7oyxkt1&st=y24q0xyt&dl=0 here
