4 October 2021
One lucky fisho has already caught the first tagged fish in Season 7 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish, underwritten by SportsBet.
Palmerston fisho Reece Prior reeled in a barramundi worth $10,000 at one of the NT’s most famous fishing hotspots, the Daly River region.
He caught the lucky barra while land-based fishing with his mate Zenon Theodorou in the Daly region.
The fishing mates have honoured a pact to split any Million Dollar Fish winnings, and Reece will use his half to add upgrades to his new boat.
There are still 99 $10,000 barra swimming around out there, plus eight chances to snag the Million Dollar Fish.
For every $10,000 fish caught, an extra $1000 is donated to one of the official Million Dollar Fish charities, as nominated by the winning fisho. Reece chose the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Darwin Star Ball.
Season 7 of the Million Dollar Fish competition began on 1 October 2021 and runs until 31 March 2022. You must be registered for Season 7 to claim the prize money if you catch a tagged fish. Register for free at [https://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Quotes from Minister for Major Events Natasha Fyles:
“I congratulate Reece for kicking off Season 7 with the first $10,000 barra just days after Million Dollar Fish Launched.
“Million Dollar Fish is a great initiative that has helped cement the Territory’s reputation as the best place in the world to stay, play and fish.
“It helps attract visitors keen to try their hand at catching a prize-tagged fish, and encourages Territorians to get out on the water.
“Independent research shows Season 6 of Million Dollar Fish generated an economic benefit of $41.3 million for the Territory.
Quotes from SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning:
“As the major sponsor of the Million Dollar Fish competition, we’re thrilled to be awarding the first Season 7 $10,000 cheque.
“Remember, there are 99 $10,000 fish still out there, plus eight chances to land the Million Dollar Fish.
“Across the course of the competition we have now released a Million Dollar Fish in each of the five regions – Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands. This is the greatest fishing comp in Australia, if not the world, and we’re hoping someone will reel in the big one during Season 7.”
Quotes from winning fisho Reece Prior:
“I’ve just bought a boat, but I am an avid land-based fisho and I caught this tagged barra fishing from land. I was fishing with the mate who actually taught me to fish.
“I’m a Territorian so knew all about Million Dollar Fish when it first started, and a mate caught a tagged fish in 2018. I registered for the first two seasons, then didn’t bother again. But something made me register this year and I’m glad I did.
“I’d heard rumours no tagged fish were released in the Daly this season. This catch shows that’s not true!”
Quotes from Starlight Children’s Foundation National Events Manager Danielle White:
“On behalf of the Darwin Star Ball Committee and Starlight Children’s Foundation, we thank Reece for this donation.
“After the challenges of the past 18 months, community support is needed now more than ever to help Starlight bring happiness to sick kids in the NT.”
