Despite recent health advice about chemical contamination of local fish, Katherine has been selected for the successful million dollar fish competition again.

You don’t have to eat the tagged fish, you just have to catch it and that has proven impossible so far,

At least one tagged fish and perhaps more will be released into Katherine region waterways, officials said today.

The world’s best fishing competition returns for an extended fourth season with more chances than ever to catch a $1 million fish. 

This year’s competition will see the number of $1 million fish increased to five, which is expected to reel in fishing fanatics to the Territory and give a boost to tourism and local tourism operators and create jobs. 

Tourism and Culture Minister Lauren Moss said the Million Dollar Fish competition was helping to secure the Territory’s place among the world’s most renowned fishing destinations.

The extended season runs from Monday to March 31 next year.

Once the first major prize fish is caught, the remaining four $1 million fish will become $10,000 fish.

If the $1 million fish is not caught within the competition timeframe, all five fish will remain active post-competition between March 31 September 30, with the first to be caught awarding the participant $1 million.

There will also be 100 fish worth $10,000 each, and a special new category of 20 fish, with purple tags, worth $2500 cash to the angler plus $2500 to a Territory-based charity.

The Territory-based charities are selected by BetEasy are the NT Cancer Council, the NT Star Ball and the Junior Indigenous Guide Program.  

Minister Moss thanked BetEasy for continuing its relationship with the Territory and providing the cash prizes. 

Competition participants must register online at www.milliondollarfish.com.au. 

The tagged barra can be caught during the competition season in all of the five regions including Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land regions.

Last season anglers caught 13 tagged fish caught worth $10,000 each.