Loren Hanton catches $10,000 barra in Million Dollar Fish competition

A born-and-bred Territorian couldn’t believe her luck when she caught the third tagged barramundi of the 2023-24 Million Dollar Fish season. Find out where it was caught.

A lucky Territorian was considering calling it a night moments before she reeled in the latest tagged barra of the Million Dollar Fish season.

Loren Hanton from Stuart Park was night fishing at Yellow Waters in Kakadu National Park when she reeled in the 63cm prize fish on October 31.

It was a fortunate catch after a largely luckless night, even though her partner had caught four fish, but just as she considered giving up her fortunes changed.

“We were thinking of calling it because the fishing had died off.” Ms Hanton said.

“Then I pulled in a 70cm barra, which totally changed things. My next catch was the red-tagged barra, and when I saw that red tag I started screaming.

“I couldn’t believe it. I’ve registered for Million Dollar Fish every season and am a regular fisho born and bred in the Territory.

“I can’t believe I’ve finally caught my own red-tagged barra. I will 100 per cent keep on fishing to try my luck at catching another.”

Loren Hanton from Stuart Park was night fishing at stunning Yellow Waters in Kakadu National Park when she caught a $10,000 barra. Picture: Supplied

The long-time angler chose to donate her extra $1000 to Shoreline, a program which began on the Tiwi Islands and provides education and employment opportunities to young Indigenous people.

Shoreline managing director Jason Ryan said the program was “absolutely delighted” to be nominated.

“The donation will go directly towards creating opportunities for young First Nations students in the NT to develop their skills on water and obtain marine certifications,” he said.

Ms Hanton’s snag is the third $10,000 catch of the season after just five weeks, meaning there are 97 still out there in waterways across Darwin, Kakakdu, Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land and Katherine.

There are also 11 barra carrying tags worth $1 million, and event organisers have promised the top prize will be given away this year.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said three fish caught so far proved Season 9 would bring a massive stimulus to the NT economy.

“Kakadu is a jewel in the Territory’s tourism crown, and Million Dollar Fish is a gem when it comes to delivering for Territorians,” she said.

“Season 8 generated a total expenditure stimulus of $70.8 million, of which $23.6 million, or 33.3 per cent, was new money to the Top End region.

“With news the million will go off this season, all eyes are on the Territory as people hit our waterways keen to snag this life-changing catch.”

To register for Million Dollar Fish Season 9 head to milliondollarfish.com.au

Originally published as Loren Hanton catches $10,000 barra in Million Dollar Fish competition