Andrew Russell snags $10,000 barra in Million Dollar Fish competition

One lucky fisho has reeled in a prize-winning barra on his ‘last cast of the day’. See where the Million Dollar Fish bounty was caught.

Andrew Russell and his neighbour had cast their last lines when the Wagait Beach fisho got a glimpse of a lucrative red tag.

“I was out on my boat with my neighbour. He’s also called Andrew and we’re always fishing together,” he said.

“We were on the last two casts of the day when I snagged a barra and saw the tag.

“I was pretty nervous reeling the fish in, but lucky for me I landed it.”

Mr Russell caught the $10,000 barra, the second of the Million Dollar Fish season nine, at Woods Inlet on Friday after it was released just five kilometres away at Cullen Bay.

The lucky snag came just weeks after the first prize-winning fish was caught off the rocks at Stokes Hill Wharf.

Andrew Russell won $10k in Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish. Picture: Supplied

It leaves up to 98 fish worth $10,000 swimming around Top End waters as well as 11 fish tagged with a million-dollar ticket, which event organisers have promised must be awarded to one lucky winner this season.

SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said two winning fish in two weeks proved the season was off to a good start.

“Last season we had 20 red-tagged barra caught in total, and we can’t wait to see how many get caught this year and, of course, see someone become a millionaire,” he said.

Andrew Russell (right) with SportsBet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors (left). Picture: Supplied

Major Events Minister Paul Kirby said the competition was not only a great incentive for people to get out onto the water but an important economic driver for the Territory.

“Million Dollar Fish is a massive catch for the Territory, with independent research showing season eight generated a total expenditure stimulus of $70.8m,” he said.

“Season eight also generated 154,000 visitor nights, with interstaters keen to get up here and try their luck. This is all great news for our economy.”

Mr Russell chose to donate his extra $1000 prize money to Cancer Council NT, while he shared the main prize with his fishing partner.

“I’m going to split the cash with Andrew and get out onto the water as soon as possible to hopefully catch one of the 11 fish eligible for a million dollars out there,” he said.

To register for Million Dollar Fish season nine head to milliondollarfish.com.au

Originally published as Andrew Russell snags $10,000 barra in Million Dollar Fish competition