Multiple fish have been caught on the first weekend of Million Dollar Fish
THREE barra in the Million Dollar Fish have been caught in the first week of the competition. CLICK TO FIND OUT WHERE
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Seventh Million Dollar barra released for more for fishos to strike it big
- NT fishos keen to cash in on expanded Million Dollar Fish comp this season
THREE barra in the Million Dollar Fish have been caught in the first weekend of the competition.
Two $10,000 barra and a double tagged fish, worth $10,000 for the fisho and $5000 for a mate of their choice, were reeled in the past weekend.
Territorian Jamie Poniris was the first to hook onto a Season 6 reg tagged barra while holidaying at Kakadu.
MORE NEWS
Top End’s Million Dollar Fish comp returns, now with seven chances to capture top prize
Million Dollar Fish $10,000 barra caught in the Top End
Top End fishos reel in massive black marlin off Dundee Beach
He caught the 57.5cm $10,000 barra at Yellow Water just hours after the competition commenced on October 1, with winnings anticipated to go towards his brother’s upcoming bucks night later this month.
“I didn’t want to get too excited when I first saw the tag in case it wasn’t a winner. When I found out it was legit, I couldn’t believe it – the chances of catching a tagged fish are so slim,” Mr Poniris said.
“I’ve been barra fishing for about 10 years and have registered for Million Dollar Fish each year since it started but I never thought I would be the one to reel in a red-tag.”
The next $10,000 barra was caught by Wilfredo Riddick caught his 56cm barra near the Nightcliff Jetty on Saturday, October 3.
“I was just fishing on the rocks near the Nightcliff Jetty – I couldn’t believe it when I saw the red tag. I’ll put the money to good use and upgrade my boat,” he said.
“There were a few yahoos, that’s for sure. I went home and had a few celebratory beers over the weekend.
“I’ve always registered for Million Dollar Fish and get out fishing most weekends – I figured I would get hold of a red-tagged fish eventually.”
The third fish was caught by Mackay resident Ryan Curtis at the Mary River. He is the first fisho to reel in the double tagged barra.
LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks
“It was amazing catching the first Double Tag Barra. I was stoked with the size of the fish alone – when I saw the tags it just took it to a whole other level,” he said.
“I came up to visit the in-laws and do some fishing. It was the first time I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish so we thought we’d stay up here for a few extra weeks and have a go at it.
“My parents own Reidy’s Fishing Lures and I caught the barra on a Reidy’s custom vibe – my parents are stoked about the catch.
“I’ve been up here about five or six times fishing over the past 15 years – I just love it. I look forward to spending the cash on an electric motor to go and catch more barra.”
Originally published as Multiple fish have been caught on the first weekend of Million Dollar Fish