A fisherman has become an instant millionaire after reeling in a tagged fish during a night-time fishing expedition, landing the jackpot catch in Australia's Million Dollar Fish competition.
Matthew Maurice, 26, was out on a boat with his brother near Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia, on October 29 when he hooked an 80cm barramundi.
But it wasn't the predatory fish that caught his attention. It was the shining red tag signifying a big win in the NT's Million Dollar Fish competition.
Some 100 fish, each attached to a prize money of AUS $10,000 (£5,155), had been released into waterways for the competition on October 1, along with one top prize.
It was only after Mr Maurice submitted his catch that he discovered the red tag on his barramundi indicated the million-dollar jackpot.
He is just the second person in the competition's 12-year history to land the million-dollar fish.
'I'm about to give you the best news of your life,' the Northern Territory's chief minister, Lia Finocchiaro, reportedly told the man.
After celebrating with his brother, Mr Maurice called his parents with the life-changing news, telling his mother: 'I'm a millionaire, Mum.'
Matthew Maurice was out on a boat with his brother near Darwin, Australia, on October 29 when he hooked an 80cm barramundi (Credit: Instagram/@million_dollar_fish)
Mr Maurice is pictured with his cheque for the prize money (Credit: Instagram/@million_dollar_fish)
After celebrating with his brother, Mr Maurice called his parents with the life-changing news, telling his mother: 'I'm a millionaire, Mum' (Credit: Instagram/@million_dollar_fish)
He joins Keegan Payne, from Katherine, who caught a jackpot fish three years ago.
Mr Maurice plans to use his money wisely. 'I will probably buy a house, pay off some debts and treat myself to a little luxury,' he told local news outlet ABC.
'I'm just happy to catch fish. I can't believe I caught a million dollars' worth of fish,' Mr Maurice said during a press conference.
'Any barra is a good barra, especially the million-dollar one.'
'I feel like I'm in a dream,' he continued.
'I don't think I should be allowed to touch the money. Someone else might need to look after it for me.
'But I'll probably be smart with it, buy a house, pay off anything I need to pay off, and then treat myself a little bit.'
The competition is sponsored by Tourism & Events Northern Territory, aimed at promoting the region's 'world-class fishing experiences'.
Since 2015, tagged barramundi have been released across five main fishing regions, including Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Arnhem Land, Kakadu and Katherine.
This year's competition will run until March 31. Some 96 fish, attached with an AUS $10,000 price tag, are yet to be caught.
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