Million Dollar Fish: First charity fish reeled in!

Rural Area resident reels in first purple tag of Million Dollar Fish S5

The first charity fish has been caught as part of BetEasy’s Million Dollar Fish Season 5 competition, with Territorian Adam Waye reeling in the lucrative barra on Tuesday, 4 February.

Worth $5,000 in total, the purple tagged fish will see $2,500 go to Mr Waye, with $2,500 donated to Darwin Star Ball, which raises money for the Starlight Children’s Foundation in the Top End.

Initially tagged at Hardies Lagoon, Mr Waye hooked onto the 74cm fish at Bridge Lagoon 20km up river in a boat with one of his good friends.

While the barra was not one of the six red-tagged $1 million fish, the Rural Area resident said it felt great to be able to support a local charity in the Northern Territory.

In Season 5 of the Million Dollar Fish competition, 121 barramundi have been tagged and released across the Territory including 100 carrying $10,000 cash prize tags and a further 20 purple-tagged barra.

For the first time in the competition, Season 5 has a staggering six prize-tagged barramundi worth $1 million each, including a Season 5 tagged Million Dollar Fish and an additional five Barra with $1 million prize tags from Seasons 1 to 4.

Season 5 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs from 1 October 2019 to 31 March 2020.

To be in the running to win a prized-tagged fish, register for the competition at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

Participants will also go into the draw for more than $30,000 worth of prizes from Anaconda, Bigfish Gear, Engel, Shimano and Holidays of Australia and the World.

Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) General Manager Tim Watsford:

“Fishing is a way of life for many Territorians, and I would like to congratulate local man Adam Waye on catching the first charity fish of Million Dollar Fish Season 5.

“The Million Dollar Fish competition is a fantastic initiative which not only boosts visitation to the Territory during the Tropical Summer, but also supports local businesses and charities.

“We are thrilled to see the Starlight Children’s Foundation be the first beneficiary of this season and hope to see many more charity fish reeled in by locals and visitors alike.

“I would urge anglers from right across the country to come to the Territory and try their luck at reeling in the $1 million fish.”

Quotes from BetEasy Strategic Partnerships Manager Brad Fanning:

“On behalf of BetEasy, it’s very exciting to see the first purple tag of Million Dollar Fish Season 5 caught by a local angler.

“We are delighted to award Territorian Adam Waye with a cheque for $2,500, along with the organisers of Star Ball, who continue to collect funds for seriously ill children and their families in the Northern Territory.

“BetEasy is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, and we are thrilled to see Australia’s best fishing competition benefiting genuine Territory charities such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

“Season 5 doesn’t conclude until the end of March, so I would encourage Territorians and visitors alike to hit the water to try their luck at catching the Million Dollar Fish.”

Quotes from Darwin Star Ball Volunteer Committee Member Magdaline Coleman:

“We’re so excited to be a part of the Million Dollar Fish competition again in 2020.

“All funds raised from the competition will go towards helping Starlight Children’s Foundation in the Top End.

“Starlight relies on the community for support and we’re so excited to be able to help make a difference to sick kids in the Northern Territory.”

Quotes from winning angler Adam Waye of the Rural Area:

“My mate and I were pretty excited when we saw the purple tag – we knew what it was straight away.

“I’ve been fishing in the Territory for over five years and never thought I would reel in a tagged fish through the Million Dollar Fish competition.

“I’ve never won anything in my life, I must admit it’s a pretty good feeling.

“My mate and I are going to go halves in the money – I’ve already got plenty of fishing gear, so will probably put the cash towards vehicle registrations.

“The Starlight Children’s Foundation has been doing amazing things for years, so it makes me feel good to be able to donate money to help the kids.”