Only days after the Million Dollar Fish Season 10 (MDF S10) competition opened, two lucky fishos have reeled in a little more than just a barramundi.
Darwin locals Bing Quan Mo, also known as Ken, and Theo Vrondos have both caught a $10,000 dollar red-tagged barramundi in the first two days of Australia's richest fishing competition.
There are still 97 $10,000 barramundi waiting to be caught for eager fishos, as well as 10 fish carrying a tag worth a million bucks.
Ken is officially the first winner of MDF S10 after he caught his lucky barra on the first day of the competition, 1 October, after a dedicated evening of catching live bait and fishing at Buffalo Creek boat ramp.
He was at first slightly disappointed, because it was only a small 61cm fish as he had not seen the red tag. When he was about to clean the fish at home, he spotted the tag and called his daughter.
Bao Mo received a call at 8pm from her dad, excited that he had caught a red-tagged barramundi on the day the competition opened.
Ken has been fishing all his life and reeling in fish in Territory waters for over 20 years.
On the second day of competition, 2 October, Theo reeled in the most valuable fish he's ever caught at 4.15pm at Daly River. Theo is not usually a barra fisho but was convinced by his brother-in-law to sign up and try his luck.
Theo was stubbornly trying to catch some live bait before his brother-in-law pushed him to use a lure and cast a line. He took the small lure, and after a few casts, he caught a 76cm red-tagged barramundi.
Both Ken and Theo plan to take an overseas family trip. Ken is excited to be able to visit his 90-year old mother back home in China, while Theo is excited to take his wife and boys on a holiday.
Season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. To claim any prize money from a tagged fish, you must be registered for Season 10 of Million Dollar Fish. This also automatically enters you into the monthly giveaway draw. Register now for free at [http://www.milliondollarfish.com.au].
Quotes attributable to Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
"I'm delighted to see two of the $10,000 prizes go off and I'd like to offer my congratulations to Theo and Ken."
"We are lucky to have some of the country's best fishing right here in our backyard, and we're likely to see plenty more fishos hook onto red-tagged barra throughout Season 10 of this iconic competition."
Quotes attributable to Sportsbet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
"Sportsbet is thrilled to be awarding the first two lucky fishos of Season 10 a cheque for $10,000 each."
"The season is off to an amazing start, and we look forward to seeing more red-tagged barra caught in Territory waters."
Quotes attributable to winner Bing Quan Mo, (a.k.a. Ken):
"I have been fishing for a long time, and registered every year. I have never caught a red-tagged barra."
"I am so excited, I may go home and visit my elderly mum in China. This barra will be the best tasting fish."
Quotes attributable to winner Theo Vrondos:
"I can't believe it; my wife was in shock, because we've never won anything in my life. It was hard to sleep last night."
"After work we went to the Daly River crossing for a quick flick before dinner. I was looking for live bait, and my bother-in-law told me to stop stuffing around and gave me a lure to start casting."
"I mainly go deep-sea fishing, or hunting. I never go barra fishing. I don't even own a barra rod."
