At least one of the NT Government’s 101 tagged fish has been released into a Katherine region waterway and still has not been caught.

Tourism NT released 101 tagged barramundi into Top End waters for its Million Dollar Fish campaign late last year. 

Amateur Fishing Association of the NT president and owner of Rod and Rifle in Katherine, Warren deWith, said the competition has generated great interest among local fishermen. 

“People are definitely thinking about it and talking about it, a million dollars is not something to be sneezed at,” Mr deWith.

“Quite a few people are heading to Victoria River this weekend to have a try, it is a good time to go and have a look what fish are out there while there is a break in the weather.

“If I won, I would sell my shop and go on a long fishing holiday.” he said. 

Eight fish have been caught this season, meaning there are still 92 $10,000 fish lurking and the treasured million dollar fish to be caught.

Barramundi live in freshwater and saltwater, and usually hide around branches and rocks.

The competition was launched in 2015 in a bid to attract people to regional areas of the Top End during the traditionally quieter wet season months.

Tourism experts estimate the competition brings over $8 million into the local economy.

“Million Dollar Fish is an important tourism campaign to generate increased visitation to the Northern Territory over the low season,” Department of Tourism and Culture CEO Alastair Shields said.

“This is the best wet season the Top End has seen in recent years and if current conditions continue it will be a great run-off,” Mr Vowles said. 

Last year’s competition attracted 43,000 registrations from 62 countries — although more than half of them were Territorians.

The Million Dollar Fish competition finishes on Tuesday.