Size Matters With 17th Million Dollar Fish $50k Beauty
The only fish caught during a morning fishing trip turned out to be a $50,000 beauty, winning the Million Dollar Fish Size Matters competition.
Kin (Akim) Lay set out early on Saturday, 15 February, for a fishing session at Bridge Billabong, Mary River, when he reeled in a 72cm red-tagged barramundi – the first Season 10 fish to be caught this year.
The Size Matters campaign awards an additional $40,000 to the angler who catches the biggest $10,000 fish during the month of February. As the only angler to reel in a prize-tagged barra Akim takes home a sweet $50,000.
The Palmerston resident was reeling in his catch just as the fish swam into a snag. Patience proved key, as the barra soon freed itself, allowing Akim to pull it in. That’s when he spotted the Million Dollar Fish red tag. His winning catch was made using a Z-Man lure.
It’s been a long wait for the FIFO worker who caught the barra while on a swing, as he had to wait more than a week to get it verified. Akim said he was thrilled to win the $10,000 prize but the $50,000 was even more incredible, allowing his young family to pay some bills and save for the future.
There are now 82 barra with $10,000 red tags still in Top End waters, along with 10 fish sporting a million-dollar tag. Once one of the million-dollar tagged fish is caught, all remaining million-dollar tagged fish convert to $10,000 fish until the end of the season.
As the official charity partner, Cancer Council NT receives $1000 for every $10,000 tagged fish caught. This time, the charity will receive $5000, thanks to the Size Matters campaign, which pledged an additional $4,000 donation if a fish was caught in February.
The total contribution to Cancer Council NT has now reached $21,000. Since Season 10 began on 1 October, $231,000 has been awarded to fishos and the charity.
With just one month left, Million Dollar Fish Season 10 will conclude on 31 March 2025. To claim any prize money, participants must be registered for Season 10.
Delivered by Northern Territory Major Events Company and supported by Sportsbet, the competition is open to people aged 18 and over, with free registration. Simply by registering you are entered into the monthly prize draw valued at $79,000. Register here at: milliondollarfish.com.au/register [http://www.milliondollarfish.com.au/register]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Acting CEO Trevor Cox:
“2025 had a slow start, but it’s kicked off with a bang, with the first $10k fisho taking home a tidy $50,000 as the winner of the Size Matters campaign.
“The Northern Territory boasts some of the best fishing in the world, along with stunning scenery and incredible experiences for those seeking adventure.”
“This competition continues to change lives, and this year is no different. With just a month left to fish, anglers who want to be a part of the action should register and wet a line – it’s that easy.”
Quotes attributable to winning fisho Kin (Akim) Lay:
“That was my third trip there, but from my research on the previous events (seasons) and tags getting caught I noticed that this year, this season, there hasn’t been one caught there, so it thought I’d try my luck. And luckily, I did.”
“Just get out and about, even if you don’t feel like it, just go out. It paid off in the end for me.”
Quotes from Sportsbet NT Operations and Partnerships Manager Thijs Bors:
“Million Dollar Fish once again delivers for fishos, with Akim taking home a healthy cheque. Congrratulations! For those considering heading out for a fish, take Akim’s advice and wet a line. You never know what you’ll reel in.”
https://nt.gov.au/