The countdown is on to the start of the $1 million fish contest.
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Season Three of the popular NT Government-sponsored contest begins from October 1.
100 barramundi worth $10,000 have started to be released across the Top End and one worth a whopping $1 million.
The million dollar fish may be swimming around in the Katherine River.
Trent deWith from Rod and Rifle said fishing was definitely one of the most popular sports in Katherine.
“Why not take your kids camping for the weekend and try to put $10,000 or a million in your pocket,” Mr deWith said.
“The competition brings a lot of people who want to fish in the larger rivers like Victoria, Roper and Daly Rivers.
“For the people who do not have the capacity to go to the larger rivers Katherine is the perfect spot to catch a $10,000 or even the million dollar fish,” he said.
Katherine Camping and Fishing owner Matt Bannister has recently moved to Katherine to take over the business.
“I am new here, I came up from Victoria and about 90 per cent of the reason why I moved to Katherine was for the fishing,” Mr Bannister said.
“You have to get out there and have a go, if anything it will get you off the couch and you will get to see some of the best countryside, even if you don’t catch one of the winners.”
Mr Bannister said the competition is great for local businesses in town.
“I was speaking to one of my guys who has worked here for the last two seasons and he said you notice a lot more people coming through the door.
“He said it used to be quieter during the wet season, but since the competition started they have definitely noticed a spike in customers.”
Mr deWith from Rod and Rifle said it is free to register for the competition and it only takes about five minutes.
“My tips for improving your chances is to fish in the early morning or late afternoon, they do not tend to be biting in the middle of the day here.
“Head to the Low Level, Knotts Crossing, Crystal Rapids and look for structure in the water like rocks or snags, it might improve your chances.
“Get a gold bomber – it is the go-to lure for the Katherine River, or soft plastics.
“Use live bait, catch some fresh striped grunter or cherobin and use them as bait, it will improve your chances greatly.
Mr deWith said you need to be in it to win it.
“Anyone with a handline to someone spending thousands of dollars on gear can win,” he said.
“Fish hard.”
Contest officials said at least one tagged fish has been released in the Katherine region.
Fishos need to register at milliondollarfish.com.au to take part.
Tagged barra are also being released in Kakadu, Darwin, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land regions.
