Northern Territory anglers reeled in more than $100,000 in prize money as the sixth season of Million Dollar Fish came to a close.
SportsBet paid out $115,000 to fishos who caught 11 prize tagged fish in the Top End between 1 October 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Anglers caught tagged barra at a range of iconic Top End fishing destinations, including Adelaide River, Darwin Harbour, Bridge Lagoon, Daly River, Finniss River and Kakadu.
Holidays, home renovations, furniture, fishing equipment, a buck's night and a lawn mower are just some of the things fishos spent their winnings on.
Prize-tagged fish were caught in a range of ways, including by handline and from the shore, proving fishos do not need a boat or high-end fishing equipment to become a Million Dollar Fish winner.
One prize winner even fought off a crocodile to reel in his lucrative catch.
Both local and interstate fishos cashed in as part of Season six, with 44 prizes drawn as part of the Lucky Prize Pool worth $44,000.
Prizes included fishing trips to the NT, Anaconda vouchers, Engel fridge/freezers, Shimano fishing packs and more.
Season six attracted more than 29,000 registrations, compared to 21,312 last year.
While the season is over - all seven $1 million tagged fish remain active year-round.
If you catch a red-tagged barra call 1800 077 001 and quote the unique code. To claim the prize money you must have registered for Season 6 by 31 March 2021.
Season seven is set to return this year on 1 October 2021.
Quotes from Tourism and Hospitality Minister Natasha Fyles:
"The Wet Season has caused significant rainfall across the Territory, which has helped anglers reel in even more tagged fish than last year.
"Million Dollar Fish has a track record of boosting our economy and reeling in more visitors to the Top End from all over Australia.
"The Territory Labor Government is proud to support this iconic competition and I look forward to Season seven returning this year."
Quotes from SportsBet External Affairs Manager Brad Fanning:
"On behalf of SportsBet, we were absolutely thrilled to come on board as the naming rights sponsor for Million Dollar Fish and partner with Australia's richest fishing competition for Season six.
"Over the past six months we've seen a wide demographic of fishos take home huge cash prizes and registered participants of all ages win great prizes each month as part of the Lucky Prize Pool.
"I'd like to congratulate all winners of Season 6 and look forward to Million Dollar Fish returning for Season 7 in October this year."
