In its second season, Australia’s largest and richest fishing competition is underway in the Northern Territory. With two million dollars in prizes up for grabs!
One-hundred and one specially tagged barramundi have been released in the Australia’s top end, in what has become one of the world’s richest fishing competitions.
One-hundred fish have been tagged with a $10,000 prize, with one lucky angler set to score a cool one million dollars for lucky barra number 101.
At the time of publishing, six $10,000 tagged fish had been caught, with the competition running until 28 February, 2017.
“Forget about the ‘one that got away’, you can have better luck in the NT,” said Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss.
“We’re hoping the lure of an increased prize pool will reel in even more visitors to the NT.
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“About 40,000 interstate visitors come to the Top End for fishing every year but we want to encourage even more people to stay, play and fish”.
“Following a survey after season one this year, it is estimated the Million Dollar Fish competition brings in over $8 million of revenue to the NT, which is great for local business and hospitality industries,” said Minister Moss.
“We’ll definitely be promoting the competition through our charters and we’d be over the moon if one of our customers caught won one of the tagged barra or even the Million Dollar Fish,” said Daniel Thurling from Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters.
Primary Industry and Resources Minister, Ken Vowles, reminded anglers that normal fishing practices must be followed in the competition.
“I urge all fishos to be responsible on the water and to know your bag limits,” Minister Vowles said.
“Free app, NT Fishing Mate, is available for all smart phones and is there to help recreational fishers know the rules and which areas are open to fish.
“Territorians love their fishing; however, we all need to take responsibility to ensure we have a sustainable fishing environment for years to come.
“Entrants must ‘Be Crocwise’ at all times when fishing from land or boat which means observing ‘Be Crocwise’ signs, remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings, fishing responsibly and always using landing nets when landing fish.”
How to enter
Participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au to compete. The competition is open between now and 28 February 2017 inclusive.
All entrants are also eligible to win one of the bonus sponsor prizes, which include five holidays to five different regions in the Northern Territory, a JayCo camper trailer worth $30,000, Engel fridges, Shimano and BCF Fishing Tackle, JM Gilles Classic Lures, Accor Hotels for Le Club points, Qantas flights and a XXXX Gold fishing charter.
Where have the tagged fish been released?
All 101 tagged barramundi have been released at various locations throughout the Northern Territory. Locations range from as far north as Willigi, as far east as Nhulunbuy, as far south as Borroloola, Victoria River and as far west as Dundee Beach and Bathurst Island.
Ways to catch the barramundi
Line fishing is the only accepted fishing technique that may be used by entrants to catch a barramundi. If the fish are caught in any other way, the prize will not be redeemable.
Who can enter the competition?
Entry into the competition is open to any person who meets the requirements of the terms and conditions. Entrants must be aged 18 years of older to be eligible to participate.
I’m not from Australia or Northern Territory. Can I still enter?
Yes, all international and interstate entrants are eligible to enter the Million Dollar Fish Competition.
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