Million Dollar Fish season 10: Kin (Akim) Lay wins $50k in Size Matters campaign

A lucky Top End resident is now $50k richer after reeling in the biggest tagged barra of February as part of the Million Dollar Fish. Read how he hauled it in.

Kin (Akim) Lay is $50k richer after winning the Million Dollar Fish Size Matters competition.

The only fish caught during a morning fishing trip has made one lucky fisho $50k richer reeling in the red-tagged Size Matters winner.

Kin (Akim) Lay set out for a morning fishing session at Bridge Billabong, Mary River, when he reeled in a 72cm red-tagged barra on February 15.

The Palmerston resident was reeling in his catch just as the barra swam into a snag forcing Mr Lay into a waiting game as it broke free and allowing the angler to pull it in.

And as it came in he spotted the Million Dollar Fish red tag, the first one to be caught in 2025.

The FIFO worker was thrilled with the catch claiming the $10k prize, but even more excited to have received an extra $40k having won the Size Matters competition.

The Size Matters campaign awards an additional $40,000 to the angler who catches the biggest $10,000 fish during the month of February.

“That was my third trip there, but from my research on the previous events (seasons) and tags getting caught I noticed that this year, this season, there hasn’t been one caught there, so it thought I’d try my luck. And luckily, I did,” he said.

“Just get out and about, even if you don’t feel like it, just go out. It paid off in the end for me.”

Kin (Akim) Lay is $50k richer after winning the Million Dollar Fish Size Matters competition.

NT Major Events Company Acting chief executive Trevor Cox said after a slow start to the year it was great to reward the winner of the Size Matters campaign.

“2025 had a slow start, but it’s kicked off with a bang, with the first $10k fisho taking home a tidy $50,000 as the winner of the Size Matters campaign,” he said.

“The Northern Territory boasts some of the best fishing in the world, along with stunning scenery and incredible experiences for those seeking adventure.

“This competition continues to change lives, and this year is no different. With just a month left to fish, anglers who want to be a part of the action should register and wet a line – it’s that easy.”

Sportsbet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said the Million Dollar Fish competition had once again paid off for Territory fishos.

“Million Dollar Fish once again delivers for fishos, with Akim taking home a healthy cheque,” he said.

“For those considering heading out for a fish, take Akim’s advice and wet a line. You never know what you’ll reel in.”

With just one month left, Million Dollar Fish Season 10 will finish on March 31 with 82 red-tagged barra and 10 million dollar tagged barra still out there.

Originally published as Million Dollar Fish season 10: Kin (Akim) Lay wins $50k in Size Matters campaign