Eels reels in big barra

A LOCAL angler has been making waves in the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition.

Ranae Eels caught a barramundi worth $10,000 last month while on a fishing charter on Bynoe Harbour in Darwin.

“I can’t believe I caught a red-tagged barra on my last day in Darwin,” she said.

“We’ve been travelling around Australia and are returning home for Christmas, but we’ll be back in the Territory next year to try and catch another tagged fish.”

The Million Dollar Fish competition is an initiative of the Northern Territory Major Events Company and the Northern Territory Government.

NTMEC head of events and operations Coryn Huddy said the competition was in its eighth season, and this one has been the best so far.

Each time someone catches a $10,000 barra, $1000 is donated to charity.

“Eight fish caught already, including one worth double the dough, which landed the lucky angler $20,000,” he said.

“These are amazing results for Australia’s richest fishing competition, and a great reason to head to the Top End to throw in a line.

“We’ve got pristine waterways, world-class fishing and millions of dollars up for grabs.”

This season of Million Dollar Fish runs until the end of March.