Sports

Darwin Fisherman Wins $1 Million After Catching Red‑Tagged Barramundi

By TOI World Desk

A 26‑year‑old fisherman from Darwin, Matthew Maurice, won A$1 million on Thursday after catching a red‑tagged barramundi at Corroboree Billabong in the Northern Territory. The fish measured just over 80 cm and carried a bright red tag marked “Season 12.” Maurice was fishing with his younger brother, who was visiting from overseas, when the fish took his suspended jerkbait. Within seconds the fish leapt out of the water, revealing the tag. Maurice described the moment as “the most stressful two minutes of my life.” The catch made him the second person to win the top prize in the 12‑year history of the Million Dollar Fish competition. The competition, which began to attract tourists and recreational fishers to the NT during the wet season, offers cash prizes for specially tagged barramundi. Season 12 started with one fish carrying the A$1 million prize and 100 others worth A$10 000 each. Prior to Maurice’s win, only Keegan Payne of Katherine had claimed the top prize in April 2024. The NT government reports that the competition has awarded more than A$2.47 million in prize money since it began. Maurice’s catch will also trigger a A$10 000 donation to Surf Life Saving NT, bringing total charitable donations from the competition to over A$133 000. Although the million‑dollar fish for Season 12 has been caught, 96 tagged barramundi worth A$10 000 each remain available. The current season will run until 31 March 2027.