Million Dollar Fish millionaire guaranteed this season

Fishing in the Northern Territory’s pristine waters is about to get more exciting than ever, with a lucky angler guaranteed to win a whopping one million dollars in the upcoming Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish (MDF).

It’s the biggest news since the country’s richest fishing competition began in 2015.

Over the years, hundreds of tagged barramundis have been released into the Top End’s incredible fishing regions. More than $925,000 has been won to date, but a million-dollar barramundi is yet to be caught.

That’s all set to change this season, with a number of initiatives planned to ensure someone bags a big one. To maintain the integrity of the competition, details will be released as the season progresses, with the first initiative to be revealed in time for the start of Season 9 on 1 October 2023. Anyone keen to try their luck should follow the MDF social channels, Facebook and Instagram and register for Season 9 from tomorrow, for free.

MDF is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government and underwritten by SportsBet. NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop said independent research from last season showed the importance of the competition to the Northern Territory.

“Season 8 was officially the biggest in more ways than one. As well as recording the most registrations ever, a total of 47,949, Season 8 also saw the most red-tagged fish caught – 20 – with the largest combined record cash payout and donation in the competition’s history. Winning anglers took home $230,000 between them and $23,000 was donated to official MDF charities,” Mrs Bishop said.

Every time a $10,000 fish is caught, the angler can donate an extra $1000 to their MDF charity of choice. The charities are Cancer Council NT, Shoreline and Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball. A new charity joins the list this year – Riding for the Disabled Association Top End.

Independent research showed Season 8 generated a total expenditure stimulus in the Territory of $70.8 million. Of this, 33.3 per cent, or $23.6 million, was new money to the Top End region.

• The research also revealed MDF delivered 153,677 visitor nights across the NT.
• 7 per cent of participants purchased fishing equipment.
• 3 per cent of participants said they were likely to return next year.

SportsBet’s NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said there were now more reasons than ever to fish the NT.

“Nowhere else on Earth can you throw in a line and reel in a million bucks. There has never been a better time to fish the Territory. And remember, the more you get out on the water, the greater your chances. There are some great initiatives planned for Season 9, so register now and don’t miss out,” Mr Bors said.

Everyone who registers for MDF is automatically entered into the Lucky Prize Pool, with prizes given out each month, ranging from holidays to fishing gear – so people don’t even need to wet a line to be in with the chance of winning something.

Season 9 of Australia’s richest fishing competition will run from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024, and registrations open September 1. It is free to register, and anglers must be registered for Season 9 to claim MDF prize money.

The fish are released in the Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands waters.

To find out more and to register, visit https://milliondollarfish.com.au/