Season 12 kicks off with first winning fish

The first winning fish of Million Dollar Fish Season 12 has been caught, with Darwin angler Darren Kenny reeling in a $10,000 red-tagged barramundi just two days into the competition.

Fishing at Hardies Lagoon with his son Ashton shortly after daybreak on Friday, 2 October, Darren had only been on the water for around 45 minutes when luck struck. The first fish they hooked and landed in the boat turned out to be a winner, with the 62cm barra revealing a red tag worth $10,000.

For Darren, the catch was more than just a prize-winning fish. It marked the third Million Dollar Fish win for the Kenny family.

Hardies Lagoon has become something of a lucky spot for the Humpty Doo angler, who also landed a $10,000 red-tagged barramundi at the same location during Season 11. On that occasion, Darren reeled in a 72cm barra and took home another $10,000 prize.

The Kenny family's Million Dollar Fish success began in Season 11 when Darren's father, Russell Kenny, landed the first winning fish of the season. Son Ashton has been onboard for all three winning catches, earning a reputation as the family's good luck charm.

"It’s number three for the family, so we are absolutely over the moon," Darren said.

"There was a bit of disbelief to start with. Ashton saw a glimpse of the tag as it went into the net, so he was excited first.

"It was on the front deck flipping around and I couldn't see it straight away. I had to see it to believe it. Once I saw it and he flipped it over, there it was."

The celebration came quickly.

"There was plenty of jumping up and down, a bit of yahooing and clapping. We were really excited," Darren said.

As the official charity partner of Million Dollar Fish, Surf Life Saving NT will also receive $1,000 thanks to Darren's catch.

SportsBet Head of Operations NT, Thijs Bors, said the first winning fish is always an exciting milestone for the competition.

"We are off and running. The first winning fish to be caught in Season 12 is an exciting milestone," Mr Bors said.

"There are still many winning red-tagged barra swimming in Territory waters, and we're looking forward to seeing more fish caught and more money given away."

While the first winning fish of the season has now been claimed, there are still 99 red-tagged barramundi worth $10,000 waiting to be caught, along with one fish carrying the ultimate $1 million tag.

Season 12 of Million Dollar Fish runs until 31 March 2027. Registration is free and required to claim any prize money. Every registration also automatically enters participants into the monthly prize draw.

To register and find out more, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.