Alastair Lau becomes 12th $10,000 winner of Million Dollar Fish Season 10

Third time was the charm for a lucky Territory fisho who reeled in the 12th winning red-tagged barra. Find out how he caught it.

Alastair Lau is the 12th lucky fisho to reel in a $10,000 barra in Season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish.

It was third time lucky for the Territory’s latest lucky fisho, who reeled in the latest $10,000 barra during a late-night fishing trip.

Alastair Lau was at Yellow Waters with his partner Bronwyn Loud and their eight-month old child in the early hours of October 17 when he reeled in an 86cm, $10,000 red-tagged fish.

He spotted the hint of red underneath some algae, which he initially though was some reeds stuck to the fish.

With a four-day trip planned, the young family opted to stay out at Yellow Waters to continue fishing in the hope they’d reel in another prize-winning catch.

It’s the third red-tagged barra Mr Lau has caught, but only the first he’s been able to cash in.

His first was years ago on the East Alligator River when he actually released a barra, but only saw the red tag after the fish rolled over and swam away.

Then, in 2020, at the Finniss River, he hooked a red-tagged barra and called it in, only to be told it was August and out of season.

Alastair Lau is the 12th lucky fisho to reel in a $10,000 barra in Season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish.

Mr Lau said he was overjoyed to finally have a confirmed catch after so many years.

“It’s always been a bit of a thing to go out and have a bit of a go for the mighty Million Dollar Fish, and it’s actually happened this year, so super stoked about that,” Mr Lau said.

“Third time’s a charm, don’t throw it back, and on time. Nothing goes off the brag mat or even starts to shift towards the side of the boat until it’s been thoroughly combed over for a tag.”

There are now 87 red-tagged $10,000 fish and 10 fish with a million-dollar tag for Season 10.

Each season the competition sees red-tagged barramundi released in Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem Land, Kakadu and Tiwi Islands waterways.

NT Major Events Company Acting chief executive Trevor Cox said the competition continued to make a splash so early into the season.

“The Million Dollar Fish competition is making a splash, with 12 fish already reeled in just weeks after it began,” he said.

“Fishing fans are encouraged to book their holidays to the Top End for the fishing trip of a lifetime, with the barra biting, now is the time to come up and be a part of the action.”

As the official charity partner, Cancer Council NT receives $1000 for every $10k tagged fish caught, bringing the total contribution to the charity to $12k so far.

Register for free at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.