Matthew Maurice Claims $1 Million Prize After Night Catch Near Darwin
The 26-year-old angler hooked the tagged barramundi less than a kilometer from the boat ramp during a quiet trip with his brother.
By Elena Greco ·
Matthew Maurice became the second person to win the top prize in the Northern Territory's Million Dollar Fish competition after landing an 80-centimeter barramundi on Thursday evening. The 26-year-old from Darwin discovered the bright red tag on the fish's silvery body only after he had already hooked it. He immediately turned on his head torch, which illuminated the prize marker hanging from the creature.
Maurice had just finished football training when he and his brother, who was visiting from overseas, decided to take a boat out. They stayed close to shore, traveling less than a kilometer from the boat ramp. Maurice described the outing as a simple way to spend time together. He told Channel 7's Sunrise on Monday that they did not care if they caught fish or not. The goal was simply to fish and talk.
The competition began on October 1. Organizers released 100 tagged fish into local waterways, with each carrying a $10,000 prize. One fish carried the $1 million top prize. Maurice did not realize the magnitude of his catch until after he turned in the fish. Lia Finocchiaro, the Northern Territory's chief minister, reportedly informed him of the win, telling him he was getting the best news of his life.
Maurice later contacted his mother and brother to share the result. He said he feels like he is in a dream and joked that he should not be allowed to touch the money himself. He plans to use the winnings to buy a house and pay off debts before treating himself to some personal rewards. He described the experience as a dream, noting that any barramundi is a good catch, especially one worth a million dollars.
The program is sponsored by Tourism and Events Northern Territory to promote the region's fishing experiences. Keegan Payne from Katherine won the top prize three years ago, making Maurice the second winner in the competition's 12-year history. The competition runs through March 31, 2027. Ninety-six tagged barramundi worth $10,000 each remain uncaught in the Top End.
