How Did a Little Girl Help Her Brother Win One Million Dollars?

A teenager from the small town of Katherine in Australia’s Northern Territory recently made news by catching a million-dollar fish.

But it wasn’t just his fishing skills that led to this life-changing jackpot. It was luck and the sharp eyes of his 11-year-old sister, Addyson.

The million-dollar fish competition is a big deal in the region. Each year, organizers release over 100 tagged barramundi fish into waterways like the Katherine River, Darwin, and Kakadu. Some fish are worth a cool million dollars, while others get you $10,000.

The competition started in 2015, but no one could win the big prize until Keegan did it.

Keegan Payne has two jobs and lives with his family of eight in Kimberley. He had no idea his routine fishing trip would change his life. He cast his line into the Katherine River. But Addyson noticed something unusual—a small red tag on the fish’s back. That tag meant Keegan had won the top prize!

The Payne family was super excited. They celebrated by staying at a local hotel, while Keegan went fishing again. Thinking about being a millionaire now, Keegan chuckled at how fast it all happened.

“We were throwing out traps,” he said, “and caught a freshwater prawn to use as live bait. Then the line started pulling, and there it was—the million-dollar fish!”

Keegan quickly called the number on the tag and learned to keep the fish alive. Racing back, they almost crashed the boat! Now, Keegan plans a family vacation overseas and to wisely save most of the winnings.

As for Addyson’s role, it’s unclear if she’ll get prize money. Keegan dodged those questions. But one thing’s for sure – his million-dollar catch owes thanks to his little sister spotting that tiny red tag.