FISHING in the Northern Territory’s pristine waters is about to get more exciting than ever, with
a lucky angler guaranteed to win a whopping one million dollars in the upcoming Season 9 of
Million Dollar Fish (MDF).
It’s the biggest news since the country’s richest fishing competition began in 2015.
Over the years, hundreds of tagged barramundis have been released into the Top End’s
incredible fishing regions. More than $925,000 has been won to date, but a million-dollar
barramundi is yet to be caught.
That’s all set to change this season, with a number of initiatives planned to ensure someone
bags a big one. To maintain the integrity of the competition, details will be released as the
season progresses, with the first initiative to be revealed in time for the start of Season 9 on 1
October 2023. Anyone keen to try their luck should follow the MDF social channels and
register for Season 9 from today, for free.
MDF is delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) on behalf of the
Northern Territory Government and underwritten by SportsBet. NTMEC CEO Suzana Bishop
said independent research from last season shows the importance of the competition to the
Northern Territory.
“Season 8 was officially the biggest in more ways than one. As well as recording the most
registrations ever, a total of 47,949, Season 8 also saw the most red-tagged fish caught – 20 –
with the largest combined record cash payout and donation in the competition’s history.
Winning anglers took home $230,000 between them and $23,000 was donated to official MDF
charities,” Bishop said.
Every time a $10,000 fish is caught, the angler can donate an extra $1000 to their MDF charity
of choice. The charities are Cancer Council NT, Shoreline and Starlight Children’s Foundation
Darwin Star Ball. A new charity joins the list this year – Riding for the Disabled Association Top
End.
Independent research showed Season 8 generated a total expenditure stimulus in the Territory
of $70.8 million. Of this, 33.3 per cent, or $23.6 million, was new money to the Top End region.
• The research also revealed MDF delivered 153,677 visitor nights across the NT.
• 56.7 per cent of participants purchased fishing equipment.
• 89.3 per cent of participants said they were likely to return next year.
SportsBet’s NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors said there are now more
reasons than ever to fish the NT.
“Nowhere else on Earth can you throw in a line and reel in a million bucks. There has never
been a better time to fish the Territory. And remember, the more you get out on the water, the
greater your chances. There are some great initiatives planned for Season 9, so register in
September and don’t miss out,” Bors said.
Everyone who registers for MDF is automatically entered into the Lucky Prize Pool, with prizes
given out each month, ranging from holidays to fishing gear – so people don’t even need to
wet a line to be in with the chance of winning something.
Season 9 of Australia’s richest fishing competition will run from 1 October 2023 to 31 March
2024, and registrations open September 1. It is free to register, and anglers must be registered
for Season 9 to claim MDF prize money.
The fish are released in the Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Tiwi Islands waters.
To find out more and to register, visit https://milliondollarfish.com.au/
