A 26-year-old Australian fisherman caught an 80cm barramundi with a red tag while fishing with his younger brother; the catch earned him A$1 million, making him only the contest’s second top-prize winner in 12 years

The fish was the only barramundi carrying the A$1 million prize tag in the competition’s 12th season (Instagram/Million dollar wish)

A 26-year-old Australian man won A$1 million on Thursday after catching a red-tagged barramundi during a fishing trip with his younger brother in the Northern Territory. Matthew Maurice, from Darwin, caught the fishat Corroboree Billabong, where it measured just over 80cm. He became only the second person to win the top prize in the Million Dollar Fish competition’s 12-year history.Maurice had gone fishing with his younger brother, who was visiting from overseas. The brothers had planned to spend a quiet evening together on the water. Maurice, who regularly participates in the competition, was using a suspended jerkbait when a barramundi took his lure. Within seconds, the fish jumped out of the water, revealing a bright red tag. He realised that it could be one of the fish released as part of the competition.“I saw the fish jump within the first 10 seconds and spotted a bright red tag hanging out of it,” Maurice said, according to ABC News Australia. “There was about two minutes of absolute panic and then I don’t actually remember netting it. It was probably the most stressful two minutes of my life,” he added.

The million-dollar win

The brothers were fishing at Corroboree Billabong, a popular fishing location east of Darwin. Maurice had been talking with his brother when the fish took his lure.The red tag immediately caught his attention. When he saw that it carried the words “Season 12”, he became nervous. He later recalled that his legs were shaking as he tried to bring the fish in.People on a nearby houseboat also noticed and began cheering for the brothers. After about two minutes, they managed to land the barramundi.The fish was the only barramundi carrying the A$1 million prize tag in the competition’s 12th season. Its capture made Maurice the second person to claim the competition’s biggest prize.Maurice said he was still struggling to believe what had happened. “It’s surreal. I feel like I’m in a dream,” he said.He added, “I’m just happy to catch fish. I can’t believe I caught a million dollars’ worth of fish. Any barra is a good barra, especially the million-dollar one.”

‘I’m a millionaire, Mum’

After learning about his win, Maurice called his family to share the news. His first call was to his mother, who was outside a pub when she heard that her son had become a millionaire. “I’m a millionaire, Mum,” he told her. His mother replied, “I’m standing outside the pub and people are looking at me.” Maurice then asked her not to go back inside and tell everyone about the win.His father was equally surprised when he received the news. Maurice had to reassure him that he was serious about winning the money. “I swear Dad, I am dead-set serious right now,” he said. His father responded, “I’m so proud of you,” before adding, “You’re set for life.”Maurice has already thought about how he might use the prize. He said he wanted to make sensible decisions rather than spend the money immediately. “I don’t think I should be allowed to touch the money. Someone else might need to look after it for me,” he said.He added that he would probably buy a house, clear any outstanding payments and spend a small amount on himself.

Second A$1 million winner in 12 years

The Million Dollar Fish competition was introduced to encourage tourists and recreational fishers to visit Australia’s Northern Territory, particularly during the quieter wet season.The competition offers cash prizes for catching specially tagged barramundi. Season 12 began with one fish carrying the A$1 million prize and 100 others worth A$10,000 each.Before Maurice’s win, only one person had claimed the top prize. Keegan Payne, a teenager from Katherine, caught the first million-dollar barramundi in April 2024, shortly before the ninth season ended.According to the Northern Territory government, the competition has awarded more than A$2.47 million in prize money since it began.Maurice’s catch will also result in an additional A$10,000 donation to Surf Life Saving NT, the competition’s official charity partner. Total charitable donations associated with the competition have now exceeded A$133,000.Although the only million-dollar fish for Season 12 has now been caught, the competition is not over. Another 96 tagged barramundi, each worth A$10,000, remain available to be caught across the Northern Territory. The current season will continue until March 31, 2027.