Catch a Million Dollar Fish

Anglers are being enticed up to the Top End to try and catch the Million Dollar Fish, as part of an initiative to attract more tourists to the Northern Territory during low season.

76 prize barramundi will be tagged and released at various locations across the Territory- one carrying the million dollar prize tag, and the others carrying $10,000 each.

“The NT has some of the best fishing in the world and the chance to catch the iconic Territory barramundi is one of fishing’s greatest challenges,” says NT Chief Minister Adam Giles.

“Now that challenge comes with the potential of a one million dollar reward.”

There is also the chance to win a trip up to the Territory for you and three mates, worth $20,000.

So do you think you have what it takes? Here at C.H. Smith Marine, we have plenty of Gear in stock to help you net the Million Dollar Fish.

When fishing for barramundi, remember:

Barramundi usually feed early in the morning, or at sunset – so this is the best time to catch them. You’ll start to hear them splashing around on the surface as they feed.
The best lures to use are typically minnows, spinnerbaits and soft plastics. Check out our Range of X-Raps, Jackal Transam, Balista Triggers or Sinking Minnows for starters.
You also can't beat live bait – small mullets, brim, prawns, or cherabin are generally barramundi favourites.
A baitcasting reel is ideal as it ensures greater accuracy when casting, especially when fishing among snags. Try a Quantum Smoke SL100 or a limited edition T3 Ballistic 100H reel, for example.
Use a good, strong 20 to 30 pound line – we recommend Daiwa TD Sensor Braid or Frog 8 PE Braid.
The best places to Fish for barramundi are usually deeper areas in the transition zone between fresh and salt water. Look out for deeper pools that have been isolated to form billabongs, forcing barramundi to congregrate there.