Million Dollar Fish offers anglers chance to win $40,000 for biggest catch

The biggest red-tagged barramundi caught in December's Million Dollar Fish competition could net an angler a massive $40,000 windfall.

NT Major Events executive director Aimee Luxton. Pic: Supplied.

A chance to win $40,000 is on the line as Million Dollar Fish lures in contestants with its Reel of Fortune challenge for December.

This month’s spin revealed the “Size Matters” challenge, where the angler who catches the biggest red-tagged $10,000 barramundi in December could pocket an extra $30,000.

Every red-tagged fish caught this month will be added to a leaderboard, with the biggest fish of the month securing the bonus cash.

If two or more fish of equal size are caught, the prize will be shared equally.

The winner will be announced in early January.

A new initiative for Season 11 of Australia’s richest fishing competition, the Reel of Fortune provides monthly incentives and bonus challenges, running through to the season’s close in March next year.

This season has already delivered a bonanza of $10,000 barra, with 15 prize-tagged fish reeled in and $160,000 in prize money awarded.

The third $10,000 red-tagged barra in Season 9 measured 63cm and was caught by Loren Hanton at Yellow Waters, Kakadu National Park.

Lucky fisho Loren Hanton also took home $20,000 after winning the November Reel of Fortune incentive, The Weekend Fisho.

There are still 85 red-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 swimming around the Top End waterways, and 11 tagged fish carrying the life-changing $1 million prize-tag – nine from Season 9, one from Season 10, and one from Season 11.

“The Territory is famous for big barra, and now those barra come with even bigger rewards,” NT Major Events executive director Aimee Luxton said.

“December’s Reel of Fortune incentive is a fantastic reason for fishos to hit the water, explore our waterways, and try their luck at a record-breaking catch.

“December’s “Size Matters” challenge is an incredible opportunity for anglers to reel in a life-changing catch. And what better way to ring in the new year than with an extra $30,000 bonus in your pocket? It’s set to be an exciting finish to 2025 and an even bigger start to 2026.”

Official charity partner Surf Life Saving NT will also receive an extra $3000 from the “Size Matters” challenge – the charity receiving a $1000 donation for every $10,000 catch this season.

Million Dollar Fish continues to lure anglers from across Australia to the Top End, the competition now firmly cemented as a major tourism drawcard and a showcase of the Territory’s world-class fishing.

Originally published as Million Dollar Fish offers anglers chance to win $40,000 for biggest catch