Million dollar barra contest starts today

Katherine has again been included in the competition with a tagged fish released already in local waters.

The biggest to date opens today, giving anglers more chances than ever before of taking home the elusive $1 million catch.

The fifth season of the BetEasy Million Dollar Fish competition will see a record number of 126 Barramundi tagged with a cash prize, including six fish carrying the red $1 million jackpot tag.

The new season also includes 100 red-tagged Barramundi worth $10,000 each, as well as 20 purple-tagged 'charity' fish worth $5,000.

The tagged fish have been released into waterways across Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Darwin and the Tiwi Islands, encouraging people to visit and explore the Territory's world-renowned fishing spots.

As Australia's richest fishing competition, Million Dollar Fish brings thousands of fishing fanatics to the Territory each year and provides a significant boost to the local tourism industry.

Season 5 of the Million Dollar Fish competition will run from today through to March 31.

Once the $1 million fish is caught and verified, the remaining five Barramundi with $1 million tags will then become $10,000 fish.

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

To find out more information or to register for Season 5, visit www.milliondollarfish.com.au.

NT Major Events Company general manager Tim Watsford said the competition was a major drawcard for the Northern Territory, cementing our reputation as a world-class fishing destination.

"With the chances of catching a $1 million Barramundi higher than ever this year, we're expecting the fifth season to draw large numbers of visitors from across Australia to the Northern Territory."

BetEasy strategic partnerships manager Brad Fanning said: "The odds of a $1 million fish being caught this year are greater than ever, so there's never been a better time for all fishos to head out on the water and try their luck at snagging $1 million in the Territory.

"Over the past four Million Dollar Fish seasons, more than 35 people have won over $300,000 in prize money."

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