NT angler second person in history to reel in million-dollar fish
When Matthew Maurice saw a red-tagged barramundi during a rural NT fishing trip with his little brother, there was chaos in their tinnie.
"I saw the fish jump within the first 10 seconds and spotted a bright red tag hanging out of it,"
he said.
"There was about two minutes of absolute panic and then I don't actually remember netting it.
"It was probably the most stressful two minutes of my life."
The winner of this year's Million Dollar Fish competition is Matthew Maurice. (Supplied: NT government)
The 26-year-old Territorian was enjoying a Thursday evening at Corroboree Billabong, a popular Top End fishing spot east of Darwin, when he snagged the 80-centimetre fish.
Mr Maurice is the second person in the Million Dollar Fish competition's 12-year history to take out the top prize, with its red tag verifying the Darwinite had snagged the winning barramundi.
"I feel like I'm in a dream,"
he said.
"Any barra is a good barra, especially the million-dollar one."
The competition, which is paid out by sports gambling company Sportsbet, was set up in a bid to lure tourists and fishers to the Top End in the quieter wet season months.
The news left him speechless, before bringing on tears of joy. (Supplied: NT government)
Territory teenager Keegan Payne was the first to win in 2024, while out fishing on the Katherine River.
'You're set for life'
Mr Maurice's first phone call was to his mother, who was barely able to speak after hearing the good news.
"I'm a millionaire, Mum," he said.
"I'm standing outside the pub and people are looking at me," she replied.
"I love you to bits, but please don't go back inside the pub and tell people," Mr Maurice said.
The local fisho's parents were just as shocked to learn he had reeled in the million-dollar fish. (Supplied: NT government)
Mr Maurice's father couldn't believe his ears.
"I swear Dad, I am dead-set serious right now,"
he said.
"I'm so proud of you," his dad replied.
"You're set for life."
Mr Maurice said he intended to use his prize money wisely.
Now a millionaire, Matthew Maurice was pleased to share the good news with his loved ones. (Supplied: NT government)
"I don't think I should be allowed to touch the money," he said.
"Someone else might need to look after it for me.
"But I'll probably be smart with it; buy a house, pay off anything I need to pay off, and then treat myself a little bit."
This year's contest featured a single million-dollar tagged fish and 100 $10,000 barramundi, four of which have been caught so far.
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