NT angler wins million-dollar fish in 12-year-old competition

Consensus Summary

A 26-year-old Darwin man, Matthew Maurice, has become the second winner in the Northern Territory’s 12-year-old Million Dollar Fish contest after catching an 80-centimetre barramundi with a red tag during a night-time fishing trip with his brother. The fish, worth $1 million, was caught at a popular fishing spot near Darwin, marking a historic moment in the competition’s history. Both ABC and the Guardian confirm the catch, highlighting the rarity of the win and the excitement surrounding the event. The competition, which began, has only seen one other winner, Keegan Payne, who claimed the top prize in 2024, three years prior to Maurice’s victory.

The Million Dollar Fish contest was established to attract tourists and anglers to the Northern Territory during the quieter wet season months. Organized by Tourism & Events Northern Territory and sponsored by Sportsbet, the competition involves releasing a single million-dollar fish and 100 barramundi worth $10,000 each into local waterways. The Guardian notes that the contest officially began on 1 October, while ABC emphasizes its role in promoting the region’s fishing experiences. The competition is set to conclude on 31 March 2027, with 96 of the $10,000 fish still unclaimed, according to both sources.

Matthew Maurice’s reaction to winning the prize was one of shock and disbelief, as described by both outlets. ABC reports that he initially struggled to believe his luck, even joking that he shouldn’t be allowed to touch the money. The Guardian captures his emotional response, including his plans to use the winnings wisely, such as buying a house and paying off debts. Maurice’s mother and brother were also caught off guard by the news, with ABC detailing his first call to his mother, who urged him not to share the news publicly. The Guardian highlights his humility, noting that he simply wanted to enjoy fishing with his brother that night.

While both articles agree on the core details of the story, there are slight differences in emphasis and specific figures. ABC specifies that the competition is paid out by Sportsbet and that four of the $10,000 fish have already been caught, whereas the Guardian focuses on the broader sponsorship by Tourism & Events Northern Territory. Additionally, ABC mentions the exact location of the catch—Corroboree Billabong—while the Guardian provides more context about the fishing trip, including Maurice’s casual approach to the evening. The Guardian also includes a quote from the NT’s chief minister, Lia Finocchiaro, which ABC does not reference.

As the competition nears its end in March 2027, both sources suggest that the remaining 96 $10,000 fish could still be caught, offering anglers another chance to win significant prizes. Maurice’s victory has reignited interest in the contest, with both ABC and the Guardian emphasizing the rarity of the win and the potential for future participants. The story underscores the appeal of the competition, not just for the financial rewards but also for the unique experience of fishing in the Northern Territory’s renowned waterways.