An after-work land-based fishing session on the banks of the Territory’s Adelaide River took an unexpected turn for three Territorian fishos.
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The three friends knew they were in for an exciting afternoon when they saw the tell-tale red tag on their first catch of the day.
Anthony Pastalou, with the help of his cousin Anthony Savvas and childhood friend Chris Mellios, landed a red-tagged 68cm barramundi, netting $10,000 in prize money.
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“We’ve been mates for more than 15 years,” Anthony Pastalou said after the catch was verified by Tourism NT's Million Dollar Fish competition.
“We usually fish our secret spot on the last of the spring tides (big tides) dropping onto the neap tides (smaller tides).
“We got the fish with our first cast on a hard body B52 Bomber. The fish hit the lure right at my feet and as soon as I brought it in my cousin, Anthony [Savvas], walked down to the bank and he grabbed it and threw it up out of the water.”
The catch of the day was a welcome surprise for the three experienced fisherman.
“I have never seen a fish fly up a bank like that in my life, he saw the red tag and threw it like he was playing cricket for Australia,” Chris said.
The fishos regularly fish together and said they had agreed they would split the winnings if they ever caught a prize Million Dollar Fish.
BetEasy Strategic Partnership Manager Brad Fanning said the most recent catch shows that land-based fishos have plenty of chances to catch a prize-winning fish.
“Many will remember legendary Darwin fisho Hiro Nakamura landed a $10,000 barra on the shores of Mindil Beach in season three,” Mr Fanning said.
“Several fish, including our purple-tagged charity fish, are located in accessible locations so everyone has a chance to land a Million Dollar Fish.”
Season four of the Million Dollar Fish competition commenced on October 1, this year, with more chances than ever to catch a $1 million fish.
In this year’s competition, the number of $1 million fish has been increased to five, which is expected to reel in fishing fanatics to the Territory and give a boost to tourism and local tourism operators.
To catch a Million Dollar Fish, register for free on www.milliondollarfish.com.au.
For information on Territory fishing regulations and best practice catch and release methods, a free fishing app Fishing Mate can be downloaded on your smart phone.
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