Darwin Angler Banks Million-Dollar Barramundi After Brief Night Trip
Matthew Maurice caught the top prize fish less than a kilometer from the boat ramp during a casual outing with his visiting brother.
By Ayanda Boateng ·
Matthew Maurice, a 26-year-old resident of Darwin, added one million dollars to his bank account after reeling in a red-tagged barramundi during a short night trip on the water. The 80-centimeter fish carried the top prize tag in the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition.
Maurice had just finished football training when he decided to take a boat out with his brother, who was visiting from overseas. The pair kept their trip simple, traveling less than a kilometer from the boat ramp. Maurice told Channel 7’s Sunrise that their primary goal was simply to be together and talk, regardless of whether they caught anything.
The mood shifted when Maurice hooked a large fish. He turned on his head torch to inspect the catch and immediately noticed a bright red tag hanging from the silvery body. He did not realize the specific value of the tag until he submitted the fish for inspection. Upon learning he had landed the million-dollar winner, Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reportedly told him he was about to receive the best news of his life.
The competition began on October 1. Organizers released 100 barramundi carrying $10,000 prize tags along with the single top prize fish into local waterways. Maurice’s catch marks the second time in the program’s 12-year history that a competitor has won the million-dollar award. Keegan Payne, a man from Katherine, secured the previous top prize three years ago.
Maurice shared the news with his family immediately. He plans to use the winnings pragmatically, stating he will buy a house, pay off existing debts, and then allow himself a small reward. He described the experience as dreamlike, noting that he feels someone else might need to manage the money for him so he does not spend it carelessly.
The initiative is sponsored by Tourism & Events Northern Territory to promote the region’s fishing opportunities. The competition runs until March 31, 2027. As of now, 96 of the $10,000 tagged fish remain uncaught in waterways across the Top End.
