A casual night out fishing with his younger brother has turned into a life-changing moment for Darwin local Matthew Maurice, who has become just the second person in the 12-year history of Million Dollar Fish to reel in the iconic $1 million-tagged barramundi.
The Territory-born angler was fishing at Corroboree Billabong on Thursday, 29 October, when what started as a simple catch-up between brothers quickly became one of the most remarkable moments in Million Dollar Fish history.
With his brother visiting from overseas, the pair headed out onto the water with no expectations beyond enjoying a quiet evening together.
That all changed when a barramundi measuring just over 80cm took Matthew's lure.
“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.
As the fish leapt from the water, Matthew caught a glimpse of the tag and realised he could be hooked up to the only $1 million fish released for Season 12.
With onlookers from a nearby houseboat cheering from a distance, the brothers landed the fish and confirmed what they had hardly dared to believe.
“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,” he said.
The catch marks only the second time a $1 million fish has been landed in the competition's history, following Katherine local Keegan Payne's famous million-dollar catch in Season 9.
While the moment is still sinking in, Matthew already knows the prize money will have a lasting impact.
“It’s surreal. I feel like I’m in a dream. I don’t think I should be allowed to touch the money. Someone else might need to look after it for me. But I’ll probably be smart with it, buy a house, pay off anything I need to pay off, and then treat myself a little bit,” he said.
Million Dollar Fish continues to attract fishers from across Australia to the Northern Territory, offering the chance to land tagged barramundi while showcasing the Territory's world-class fishing experiences.
Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop said Matthew's catch perfectly captured the excitement that has made Million Dollar Fish one of Australia's most iconic fishing competitions.
“This is exactly why Million Dollar Fish continues to capture the imagination of fishos across Australia and increase tourism visitation,” Ms Bishop said.
“Every season, people head out onto Territory waterways dreaming of landing a tagged barra, and Matthew's incredible catch proves that anyone can be the next winner.
“To have only the second million-dollar fish caught in the competition's 12-year history is a truly remarkable moment. It highlights the excitement, anticipation and life-changing opportunities that make Million Dollar Fish Australia's richest and most iconic fishing competition.”
She said the competition continued to deliver significant benefits beyond the prize money itself.
“Beyond the prize money, Million Dollar Fish showcases the Northern Territory's world-class fishing, drives visitation from around the country and creates unforgettable stories that stay with people for a lifetime.”
As major sponsor of the competition, SportsBet also celebrated the historic catch.
“As the major sponsor of Million Dollar Fish, we're absolutely thrilled that Australia's most sought-after fish has been caught, again,” SportsBet CEO Doug Brown said.
“SportsBet brings excitement to life for our customers every day and it doesn't get more exciting than seeing another Territorian take home the big prize in Season 12 of the world's best fishing competition.”
Since launching 12 years ago, Million Dollar Fish has awarded more than $2.47 million in prize money and donated more than $133,000 to charity partners. Matthew's winning catch will also trigger an additional $10,000 donation to Surf Life Saving NT.
While the $1 million fish has now been claimed, there are still 96 red-tagged $10,000 fish swimming in Territory waters, giving fishos plenty of reasons to keep casting a line before Season 12 concludes on 31 March 2027.
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