A man from Darwin is $1 million richer after landing a rare, red-tagged barramundi during a casual night-time fishing trip. Matthew Maurice, 26, had just finished football training on Thursday evening when he decided to take a boat out with his brother, who was visiting from overseas. The pair did not travel far, venturing less than a kilometer from the boat ramp, as their primary goal was simply to spend time together rather than specifically target a catch.
Maurice hooked a barramundi that night, but his excitement grew when he illuminated the fish with his head torch and spotted a bright red tag attached to its silvery body. This tag indicated a potential win in the Northern Territory's Million Dollar Fish competition. Although Maurice initially saw the tag, he only confirmed it carried the million-dollar top prize after turning in his catch. He was subsequently informed of his victory by Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, who reportedly told him she was about to deliver the best news of his life.
The competition, which began on October 1, involved releasing 100 tagged fish into local waterways. Ninety-nine of these carry a $10,000 prize, while one elusive fish holds the million-dollar jackpot. Maurice is only the second person in the program's 12-year history to secure the top prize, following Keegan Payne from Katherine, who won three years ago. The initiative is sponsored by Tourism & Events Northern Territory to promote the region's world-class fishing experiences.
Following the announcement, Maurice spoke at a press conference expressing disbelief and joy. He stated that while any barramundi is good, catching one worth a million dollars was surreal. Regarding his winnings, he plans to be smart with the money by purchasing a house and paying off debts before treating himself. The competition continues until March 31, 2027, with 96 tagged fish still remaining in the Top End regions for other anglers to find.
Sources: The Guardian World.