06.11.2026 23:10
A fisherman who participated in an annual competition in Australia won the $1 million grand prize thanks to a fish that took his hook. Matthew Morris, who realized that the red tag on the fish he caught belonged to the grand prize, became the second person to win this prize in the competition's 12-year history. The lucky fisherman said he plans to buy a house with the money he won but will not leave his job.
Matthew Morris, who lives in Australia's Northern Territory, experienced the surprise of a lifetime during a fishing trip with his friend. The barramundi he caught earned Morris exactly 1 million dollars.
HE STRUGGLED FOR MINUTES
They set out on the water in the Corroboree Billabong area, and only a few hundred meters from the boat ramp, a fish took Morris's line. However, getting the fish into the boat was not easy. The barramundi on the hook circled the boat's motor twice, giving Morris a difficult time. When Morris finally managed to pull the fish into the boat, he was met with a great surprise when he saw the red tag on it.
A SMALL TAG MADE HIM A MILLIONAIRE
It turned out that the tag on the fish belonged to the 1 million dollar grand prize of the "Million Dollar Fish" competition. Thus, Morris was recorded as the second angler to win this prize in the competition, which has been held for 12 years. Morris, who said he has participated in the competition every season, stated that he never thought the grand prize would one day come to him.
FIRST HE WILL BUY A HOUSE, BUT HE WILL NOT QUIT HIS JOB
After the unexpected windfall, Morris's first goal is to become a homeowner. Saying that the prize will help secure his future, the lucky angler does not plan to leave his job.
Morris's mother, Carolyn, also explained that her son has been fishing since childhood. Carolyn, who stated that fishing holds an important place in their family life, said she had difficulty believing the news that her son had won the million-dollar prize.
THERE ARE 96 MORE PRIZE-TAGGED FISH IN THE WATERS
In the competition organized by the Northern Territory Government, winning the grand prize does not mean opportunities have ended for other anglers.
According to the organizers' statement, there are 96 more tagged barramundi in the region's waters, each carrying a prize worth at least 10,000 dollars. The competition will continue until the end of March.
Meanwhile, the organization's support for charities continues. Thanks to the fish Morris caught, 10,000 dollars will be added to donations that have exceeded 130,000 dollars to date. This amount will be transferred to the Northern Territory Life Saving Association.