Million Dollar Fish: Barra-Money in the bank for Borroloola angler

A Borroloola man who cast a line out on “just another fishing day” has become the first person in 2024 to snag themselves a $10,000 barra, as part of the Million Dollar Fish competition.

James Mawson with his $10K catch. Picture: Supplied

Borroloola man James Mawson has become the first person in 2024 to catch themselves a $10,000 barra, and the eighth to catch one in Season 9 of Million Dollar Fish.

Mr Mawson was 2km upstream from Borroloola Crossing on Monday, January 22, when he hooked the $10k catch.

Mr Mawson said he was rapt with his haul and urged others to give it a crack.

“I was shocked, it was just another fishing day for us,” Mr Mawson said.

“Just get out there and have a go, you never know, it was just a normal day out fishing. I wasn’t expecting to go home with a red tag.”

James Mawson with his $10K catch. Picture: Supplied

As part of the competition every time someone catches a $10,000 dollar fish they can choose a charity to donate an extra $1000 to, with Mr Mawson choosing the Starlight Children’s Foundation Darwin Star Ball.

Major Events Minister Brent Potter said it was exciting to see a prized barra lured in so early in the year.

“One month into 2024 and we have already seen our first $10,000 barra caught by Territorian James Mawson,” he said.

“We are blessed to not only have some of the best fishing in the country but also the world, and every $10,000 tagged barra caught is one step closer to seeing someone become a millionaire through the Territory Labor Government’s Million Dollar Fish.

“The Million Dollar Fish continues to be a massive catch for the Territory, in terms of giving back to local businesses, putting the NT in the spotlight and getting interstate visitors to the Top End.”

Million Dollar Fish, which is underwritten by SportsBet, has announced there are still 103 barra out there worth cash, with 24 of those worth a million dollars, giving anglers a one-in-four chance of reeling in a million bucks if they catch a tagged fish.

SportsBet NT operations and partnership manager Thijs Borjs said the company was looking forward to handing out its next cheque.

“It goes to show the tagged barra are everywhere and you’ve got a shot at catching one all over the Top End,” he said.

“SportsBet is excited to see who else reels in a $10,000 barra or the life-changing barra worth a million bucks.”