Territory-born angler becomes Million Dollar Fish millionaire

Million Dollar Fish million dollar prize winner Matthew Maurice with $1 million prize check and celebrating with Million Dollar Fish mascot Boof the Barra

Darwin angler Matthew Maurice has made Million Dollar Fish history, reeling in the only $1 million-tagged barramundi released for Season 12 and becoming just the second person in the competition’s 12-year history to claim the iconic prize.

The million-dollar moment came during what was meant to be nothing more than a casual night out fishing for Territory-born Matthew Maurice and his younger brother, who was visiting from overseas. The pair launched late on Thursday, 29 October, simply to spend time together at Corroboree Billabong, with Matthew casting a suspended jerkbait while chatting and enjoying a quiet evening on the water.

When a barramundi measuring just over 80cm took the lure and a bright red tag flashed as the fish jumped, it changed Matthew’s life. The regular Million Dollar Fish participant said that as soon as he saw "Season 12" on the tag, it was all adrenaline and his legs were shaking.

“I saw the fish jump within the first 10 seconds and spotted a bright red tag hanging out of it. It was probably the most stressful two minutes of my life, Matthew said. 

With onlookers from a nearby houseboat cheering them on, the brothers landed the fish and unknowingly secured one of the most remarkable catches in Million Dollar Fish history.

“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.”

The life-changing catch follows the competition’s first million-dollar winner, Katherine local Keegan Payne, who landed the Season 9 million dollar fish in April 2024, just hours before the extended season closed.

As Australia’s richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish has now awarded more than $2.47 million in prize money over its 12-year history. The competition continues to attract recreational fishers from across the country to the Northern Territory, showcasing the Territory’s world-class fishing experiences and delivering significant tourism benefits.

Supported by SportsBet, Season 12 has delivered another unforgettable chapter for the competition, with Matthew’s historic catch highlighting the excitement, opportunity and life-changing moments that make Million Dollar Fish unique.

The winning catch will also deliver benefits beyond the water, with an additional $10,000 donated to official charity partner Surf Life Saving NT. More than $133,000 has now been donated to charities through Million Dollar Fish since the competition began.

While the $1 million fish has now been claimed and there are no remaining active million-dollar-tagged barramundi in Territory waters, fishos still have plenty to cast for, with 96 red-tagged $10,000 fish remaining across the Northern Territory until the season concludes on 31 March 2027.

Season 12 of the Million Dollar Fish competition runs until 31 March 2027. To be eligible to claim any prize money, fishers must be registered. Registration is free and automatically enters participants into the monthly prize draw. Register now at www.milliondollarfish.com.au.