NT angler second person in history to reel in million-dollar fish

Matthew Maurice, a 26-year-old Darwinite, has reeled in the winning catch in the NT's latest Million Dollar Fish contest.

The Territorian is only the second person to win the top prize in the competition's 12-year history.

The competition wraps up in March 2027, with 96 more fish, each valued at $10,000, yet to be caught.

When Matthew Maurice saw a red-tagged barramundi during a rural NT fishing trip with his little brother, there was chaos in their tinnie.

"There was about two minutes of absolute panic and then I don't actually remember netting it.

"It was probably the most stressful two minutes of my life."

The 26-year-old Territorian was enjoying a Thursday evening at Corroboree Billabong, a popular Top End fishing spot east of Darwin, when he snagged the 80-centimetre fish.

Mr Maurice is the second person in the Million Dollar Fish competition's 12-year history to take out the top prize, with its red tag verifying the Darwinite had snagged the winning barramundi.

"Any barra is a good barra, especially the million-dollar one."

The competition, which is paid out by sports gambling company Sportsbet, was set up in a bid to lure tourists and fishers to the Top End in the quieter wet season months.

Territory teenager Keegan Payne was the first to win in 2024, while out fishing on the Katherine River.

Mr Maurice's first phone call was to his mother, who was barely able to speak after hearing the good news.

"I'm standing outside the pub and people are looking at me," she replied.

"I love you to bits, but please don't go back inside the pub and tell people," Mr Maurice said.

Mr Maurice's father couldn't believe his ears.

Mr Maurice said he intended to use his prize money wisely.

"I don't think I should be allowed to touch the money," he said.

"Someone else might need to look after it for me.

This year's contest featured a single million-dollar tagged fish and 100 $10,000 barramundi, four of which have been caught so far.