Darwin man wins $1 million prize after catching tagged barramundi

A Darwin man has become an instant millionaire after reeling in a prize-winning fish during a casual night out on the water. Matthew Maurice, a 26-year-old local, was out on a boat with his visiting brother when he landed a 80cm barramundi that turned out to be the grand prize winner in the Northern Territory's million dollar fish darwin competition. The pair had decided to head out on a Thursday evening following Maurice's football training session, opting to stay close to the boat ramp rather than venturing far into the waterways.

A casual night turns into a life-changing event

Maurice recalled that the outing was intended simply as a time to catch up and talk with his sibling. He noted that the success of the fishing trip was secondary to the time spent together. However, upon hooking the barramundi, he used his head torch to inspect the catch and immediately noticed a bright red tag attached to the fish’s body. This tag is the hallmark of the regional competition, which aims to promote local fishing experiences.

A Darwin man won $1 million after catching a rare red-tagged barramundi during a night fishing trip.

It was only after Maurice officially turned in his catch that he was informed by Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro that the tag was worth the top prize of $1 million. Maurice, who is only the second person to claim the top reward in the 12-year history of the program, expressed his shock during a subsequent press conference. He stated that he feels as though he is in a dream and plans to be responsible with the winnings, intending to pay off debts and potentially purchase a home.

Competition details and future opportunities

The million dollar fish darwin initiative is sponsored by Tourism & Events Northern Territory. The competition, which launched on 1 October, features 100 fish tagged with $10,000 bounties alongside the single top prize. With this recent catch, there are still 96 of the smaller prizes remaining in the waterways. The event is scheduled to continue until 31 March 2027, encouraging anglers to explore the region's diverse fishing spots.

Why it matters

This event highlights the success of regional tourism initiatives designed to promote local natural resources and outdoor recreation. For residents and international visitors alike, the program serves as a significant draw to the Northern Territory, showcasing the area as a world-class fishing destination and providing a unique economic incentive for recreational anglers.