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- A casual night becomes a million-dollar catch
- “I’m a millionaire, Mum”
- Plans for a life-changing prize
- Million Dollar Fish continues
- Previous Million Dollar Fish Season 12 Winners
- Darren Kenny, 2 October 2026
- Sambono, 7 October 2026
- Darren Kenny (Again!), 13 October 2026
- Wayne Pickard, 18 October 2026
- Useful Links
A relaxed night of fishing with his brother has changed Matthew Maurice’s life forever after he landed the only million-dollar barramundi released for Season 12 of Million Dollar Fish.
The Territory-born angler was fishing at Corroboree Billabong when a barramundi measuring just over 80 centimetres took his lure. When a bright red tag appeared as the fish jumped, Matthew realised the catch could be worth far more than a normal barra.
He had no idea that the fish would make him just the second person in Million Dollar Fish history to win the competition’s top prize.
A casual night becomes a million-dollar catch
Matthew and his younger brother launched late on Thursday, 29 October, intending to enjoy a quiet evening on the water. His brother was visiting from overseas, so the fishing trip offered a chance for the pair to spend time together.
Matthew cast a suspended jerkbait while the brothers chatted. Within seconds, a barramundi struck the lure and launched from the water. Matthew immediately spotted the red tag, but landing the fish proved stressful.
He said the fight lasted about two minutes, although the pressure made it feel much longer. With the fish jumping and the tag clearly visible, Matthew knew that every moment mattered.
Onlookers from a nearby houseboat cheered as the brothers brought the barramundi aboard. The tag showed that the fish carried the million-dollar prize for Season 12.
“I’m a millionaire, Mum”
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro delivered the news to Matthew in person. She told him he was about to receive the best news of his life.
Matthew broke down in tears before hugging the Chief Minister. Soon afterwards, he called his mother to share the news.
“Mum, I’ve caught the million-dollar barra! I’m a millionaire!” he told her.
His mother was barely able to speak. When Matthew called again, she explained that she stood outside a pub while people watched her reaction.
“I’m standing outside the pub and people are looking at me,” she said.
Matthew then asked her not to go back inside and tell everyone the news. His father also struggled to believe what he was hearing.
“I swear Dad, I am dead-set serious right now,” Matthew told him.
His father’s response was simple but emotional: “I’m so proud of you.”
Plans for a life-changing prize
Matthew said the million-dollar prize felt surreal. Although he joked that someone else might need to look after the money, he already had sensible plans for it.
His priorities include buying a house and paying off anything he needs to pay off. After that, he plans to treat himself a little.
The win also means Matthew joins a very small group of Million Dollar Fish winners. Katherine local Keegan Payne became the first angler to land the competition’s million-dollar fish in 2024. Matthew now holds the distinction of catching the second top-prize barra in the contest’s 12-year history.
Million Dollar Fish continues
Although Matthew has claimed the only million-dollar fish released for Season 12, anglers still have plenty of reasons to fish the Northern Territory’s waterways.
The competition features 100 red-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each. Four of those fish had been caught when Matthew landed the top prize, leaving 96 tagged $10,000 barra available across the Territory.
Season 12 continues until 31 March 2027. Fishers must register to claim prize money, while registration also provides automatic entry into the monthly prize draw.
Matthew’s catch shows why Million Dollar Fish attracts anglers from across Australia. A simple evening on the water can create an unforgettable family story, support local tourism and, in the most fortunate circumstances, change someone’s life forever.
Previous Million Dollar Fish Season 12 Winners
Before Matthew Maurice landed this season’s million-dollar barramundi, four anglers had already caught $10,000 red-tagged fish during Season 12 across the Northern Territory. Their wins highlight the variety of Darwin and Top End fishing locations, from Hardies Lagoon and Daly River to Cullen Bay, and show why anglers keep returning to the Territory’s waterways.
Darren Kenny, 2 October 2026
Darwin angler Darren Kenny caught the first winning fish of Million Dollar Fish Season 12 at Hardies Lagoon while fishing with his son Ashton. The 62cm barramundi carried a red tag worth $10,000, marking the third Million Dollar Fish win for the Kenny family. Ashton has been present for all three family victories and is now regarded as their good-luck charm.
Sambono, 7 October 2026
Daly River local Sambono landed the second $10,000 barramundi of the season at Daly River Crossing after nearly four hours of land-based fishing. Just as he was preparing to leave, he tried one final spot and hooked a 79cm tagged fish. The prize money will help his family with household expenses, clothing and something special for his daughter.
Darren Kenny (Again!), 13 October 2026
Darren Kenny caught his second $10,000 barramundi of Season 12 at Hardies Lagoon while fishing with his son. The 65cm fish was caught using the same lure as his first winning barra, although Darren is keeping the lure’s identity secret. He plans to share the prize with Ashton and put his portion towards a family holiday.
Wayne Pickard, 18 October 2026
Territory angler Wayne Pickard caught the fourth $10,000 barramundi of Season 12 while fishing from the rocks at Cullen Bay. After a tough battle around the jetty and pontoon, his mates spotted the red tag once the fish was landed. Wayne plans to use his winnings towards a holiday, with Bali among the destinations he is considering.
Useful Links
- Official competition info: Million Dollar Fish
- NT Government fishing regulations and permits: NT Fisheries
- Local weather and tidal forecasts: Weather/Tides
- Emergency services: NT Emergency Services
- Stock up on gear: Darwin Tides Shop
- A Top End Adventure: The Ultimate 2026 Travel to Darwin Guide
Million Dollar Fish
G’day, fishos and adventure seekers! If you’ve ever dreamt of landing a monster barramundi and walking away a millionaire, Darwin’s Million Dollar Fish competition is your golden ticket.
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