GoFish Nagambie marked yesterday's media launch of the April event with the release of 10 000 Murray cod fingerlings into the Goulburn River.
Nagambie Primary School students were treated to a morning learning about the importance of restocking the Goulburn River.
The second annual freshwater fishing tournament is a major event for the town and Strathbogie Shire.
This year's event includes a $500 000 prize pool and a whopping $80 000 to the angler who reels in the largest Murray cod.
GoFish Nagambie chief executive Rod Lockwood said this year was about expanding on last year's success.
“We're still putting fingerlings into the river, growing the fish population and constantly improving the fishing experience here,” he said.
“There's another 50 000 being launched on Thursday so it's a constant effort by the Victorian Fishing Authority.
“The fishing experience here in Nagambie is one of the best for cod you can get in the country.
“The great thing about the Goulburn is that it's fed by the weir so the levels and the flow is managed.”
Mr Lockwood said he was unashamed to describe GoFish Nagambie as a destination event.
“We're promoting Nagambie and the Strathbogie region to the world really.
“What is gratifying is that there's constantly fishermen on the river now.
“It mean the economic impact that comes into the whole region including Shepparton has really increased.”
GoFish Nagambie is from Thursday, April 2 until Sunday, April 5 on the Nagambie Lakes and Goulburn River.
To register visit: www.gofishnagambie.com.au