Darwin Man Wins $1M with Red-Tagged Barramundi Catch 2026

A Darwin man has become $1 million richer after catching a red-tagged barramundi during a night-time fishing trip with his brother. Matthew Maurice, a 26-year-old from the Northern Territory, landed the 80cm fish less than a kilometre from the boat ramp, proving that sometimes the biggest wins happen close to home.

Maurice had finished football training and decided to take a boat out on Thursday evening with his sibling, who was visiting from overseas. The pair just wanted to fish and talk, not expecting anything extraordinary.

How a Casual Fishing Trip Turned Into a Million-Dollar Win

“We couldn’t be bothered going too far, we only went less than a kilometre from the boat ramp,” Maurice told Channel 7’s Sunrise on Monday. “We just wanted to fish and talk, that was the only thing. Whether we caught fish or not, it didn’t matter. We just wanted to be together.”

That relaxed attitude quickly changed when Maurice hooked a barramundi and turned on his head torch. “The first thing that lit up was pretty much a big silver body and a big red tag hanging out of it,” he said.

The red tag was the signal for a major prize in the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition. But it was only after he turned in his catch that Maurice discovered the tag carried the top prize of $1 million.

What Is the Million Dollar Fish Competition?

The Million Dollar Fish competition is a popular fishing promotion in the Northern Territory. As part of the competition, 100 fish – each carrying prize money of $10,000 – were released into waterways for the season, which began on 1 October, alongside one elusive top prize of $1 million.

Anglers who catch a tagged fish can claim the corresponding prize. The competition aims to boost tourism and fishing activity in the region, attracting both locals and visitors to NT waterways.

Key Details of the Competition

• 100 fish worth $10,000 each are released into NT waterways.
• One top prize of $1 million is hidden among the tagged fish.
• Season start: 1 October.
• Eligibility: Anglers must register for the competition before catching a tagged fish.
• Tag colour: Red tags indicate major prizes, including the million-dollar fish.

Why This Win Matters for the Northern Territory

Maurice’s win is a major boost for the Million Dollar Fish competition, which relies on stories like this to generate excitement and participation. The Northern Territory government and tourism bodies promote the competition as a way to draw visitors to the region’s world-class fishing spots.

For locals like Maurice, the competition offers a chance to turn a regular hobby into a life-changing event. His story also highlights the importance of registering for the competition before heading out, as unregistered anglers cannot claim prizes.

What to Watch Next

With the million-dollar fish now caught, the competition will continue with the remaining $10,000 tagged fish still in the water. Anglers across the Northern Territory will be eager to try their luck, and the competition is expected to announce further winners as the season progresses.

Maurice’s win also raises the profile of the competition, potentially attracting more participants in future seasons. For now, the Darwin man is celebrating a catch that turned a quiet night with his brother into a million-dollar memory.

FAQ

Stories like this remind us that fishing is often about more than the catch. It’s about spending time with loved ones and enjoying the outdoors. If you’re inspired to plan your own fishing adventure, check out our guide to the Colombian islands where fishing communities face unexpected challenges. For those interested in marine life, the UK octopus invasion offers a fascinating look at changing ocean patterns.

Beyond fishing, the world of competitive prizes and odd bets can be just as surprising. Take, for example, Erasmus Darwin’s 1,000-pound bet on a talking machine—a historical curiosity that shows how far people will go for a wager. And if you enjoy stories about family dynamics, the tale of a brother’s boyfriend not allowed on boys’ night might resonate.

For more news from Down Under, including the latest on the Melbourne scissors stabbing, stay tuned to our Australia section. Whether it’s a million-dollar fish or a local incident, we’ve got you covered.