A DARWIN man has had a New Year’s Eve to remember after he won a fish tagged with a $10,000 prize, in the NT Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.
The much-talked about competition has one lucky barra tagged with $1 Million and 75 fish (69 remaining) tagged with $10,000 – all waiting to be reeled in by a lucky fisho. The Northern Territory’s Top End is a renowned fishing spot with its many picturesque spots along the coast, rivers and watering holes.
The most recent winner, 19 year old Nathan Neave from Darwin, reeled in a 69cm barra in Darwin Harbour. Nathan is the sixth person to win $10,000 in the competition.
A regular fisho, Nathan registered for the competition two months ago thinking he might be able to fluke a win.
He went fishing at his secret spot with his older sister who he admits he might have to share the prize with.
“I’ll probably have to give her some or she’ll get annoyed,” he said.
The pair didn’t realise they had hooked one of the winning barramundi at first.
“We put it straight in the eski because it was thrashing around a fair bit. I didn’t realise it had the red tag until I went to get a drink out of the eski half an hour later. I couldn’t believe it and my sister started screaming,” said Nathan.
The pair cooked up the $10,000 fish last night and it “tasted pretty good” according to Nathan.
He plans on putting the money towards paying off his car and admits his mates will be pretty jealous about his New Year’s Eve catch.
Acting Chief Minister Willem Westra van Holthe congratulated the 19 year old winner.
“What an absolutely stellar way to start 2016. I encourage everyone to get out on the water and tell your family and friends interstate and overseas to get up here to the Northern Territory, wet a line and become a winner,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.
“There’s still time to register on www.milliondollarfish.com.au and spend your summer up here in the Top End chasing the remaining 69 $10,000 barras and of course the big one – the $1 Million fish.”
