Million Dollar Fish creates fishing tourism frenzy

It's official. Tourism NT's fantastic Million Dollar Fish competition has been an absolute bonanza for everyone involved.

Some 43,000 fishers registered to fish in the NT competition from 62 different countries including 25,800 interstate anglers and 14,600 NT locals. The big one, the million dollar tagged barra, wasn't to be. But and amazing 10 tagged fish each worth $10,000 worth landed. Whoopee!

Now Aussies will have even more chances to fish more cash out of the water after it was announced on Tuesday (March 1, 2106) that Tourism NT’s Million Dollar Fish competition will return this year for a second season.

The Northern Territory Government announced the news after the official end of the inaugural season, which wrapped up February 29, and saw 10 prize-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each caught across Top End waters over the last five months.

Million Dollar Fish campaign ambassador and 'Mate of the Territory', Matthew Hayden, said: "Aussies have the perfect excuse to book a trip up to the Top End with this second chance to reel in the million dollar fish."

"As a 'Mate of the Territory,' I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a diverse range of fishing experiences in the Top End. From bluewater fishing out of Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, to Billabong fishing at Kakadu, tropical sport fishing in East Arnhem Land and river fishing in Katherine, the NT is an area that’s internationally renowned as a spectacular fishing destination.

"Million Dollar Fish will be the perfect excuse for fishos to stay, play and fish here during season two – I can’t wait to see it unfold again," said Mr Hayden.

Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Adam Giles said the first season of Million Dollar Fish had been a great success and delivered huge promotion for the NT around the world.

"We’ve had more than 43,000 people register for the competition from 62 different countries including 25,800 people from interstate and 14,600 Northern Territory locals," he said.

"This is 33 per cent higher than our original target and a figure we hope to see grow further now we’ve announced a second season of the competition.

"A Tourism NT registrant survey also showed an estimated quarter of the 25,800 interstate registrants – around 6000 people – came to the NT to participate in the Million Dollar Fish competition with the visitors mainly coming from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria," he said.

Competition partners and underwriters of the cash prizes, CrownBet, paid out $100,000 throughout season one and they are thrilled to be back on board for another season.

Highlights of season one include:
>> Darwin local Nathan Neave defying the odds to catch two $10,000 fish;
>>
10 fish caught from four different locations across the Top End (Darwin
Harbour, Daly River, Corroborree Billabong and Bynoe Harbour);
>> One fish caught without a boat (Daly local Kurt Bauman on the Daly River).

Where to stay and play and fish in the Top End:

Tiwi Islands
Discover the thriving culture of the Tiwi Islands, famed for their untouched landscapes and unique style of textile art, only a short distance north of Darwin. Visit an art centre or stay at a beachfront lodge and join a guided fishing tour.

Darwin
Well known for its adventure activities, quirky outdoor markets and fantastic food, this northern capital is exotic in every sense. Direct flights to Darwin take only a few hours and depart every day from major Australian cities. Darwin is world famous for fishing, particularly known for its pristine coastlines and large barramundi.

Kakadu
Explore this timeless region home to rugged escarpments, cascading waterfalls and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Only a few hours’ drive from Darwin, Kakadu is steeped in rich indigenous culture and the gateway to several aboriginal rock art sites.

Katherine
Where the outback meets the tropics, discover Katherine, an ancient region renowned for its gorges, thermal pools and rich indigenous culture. Katherine is the third largest town in the Northern Territory and is situated on the bank of the Katherine River, flowing from the nearby Nitmiluk National Park.

Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is one of the Top End’s most spectacular natural destinations. Its scenery is beautiful and diverse with rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and savannah woodlands. Join a fishing charter and discover why Arnhem Land is regarded as a fishing paradise or enjoy a spot of rare bird watching in one of many untouched habitats.

More information on registrations for season two of Million Dollar Fish will be made available soon. Details on the Million Dollar Fish website.