Competition starts 30 May 2026! 

Embrace the Top End fishing lifestyle and cast a line in Palmerston’s lakes with our recreational catch and release barramundi competition.

Open to all ages, Hooked On Palmerston is running from 30 May 2026 to 31 January 2027, giving you plenty of time to explore the lakes, enjoy the outdoors and try your luck catching a tagged barramundi.

This season, two lucky winners will each receive a $200 BCF gift card every month throughout the competition.

Registration is free and now open. 

Fishing locations include Marlow Lagoon, Durack Lakes 1 and 2, and Sanctuary Lakes.

Please note that fishing is not permitted in Durack Lakes 3 and 4 due to invasive aquatic weed management, as outlined on our Nature Reserves and Waterways page and no barramundi have been released into these lakes. Zuccoli lakes are also not part of the Hooked On Palmerston competition and do not contain tagged barramundi.

Before heading out, make sure to read our catch and release fishing tips.

Catch and release fishing tips

Always remain Crocwise around our waterways and ensure your fishing gear is clear of any weeds before leaving the lake.

 

About Competition

To submit an entry into the draw and be eligible to win a prize, all participants must be registered. Registered participants receive a competition registration number, which must be used to submit any entries. 

Submissions without the registration number will not be accepted.

Register here for the 2026 competition. 

No, this is a free competition. However, all associated equipment costs are the responsibility of the participant. 

Tagged Barramundi only. These fish have been released into the lakes for the purpose of the catch and release competition.

Untagged barramundi caught during the competition period will not be eligible for entry into the competition.

  • Sanctuary Lakes, Gunn (access via Lakeview Blvd) 
  • Marlow Lagoon Lakes (access via Elrundie Avenue) 
  • Durack Lakes (Except 3 and 4)

Any fish caught outside these lakes are NOT eligible for entry.

With $3,200 worth of prize vouchers are up for grabs during the 2026 competition. Prizes will be awarded in the form of vouchers to be redeemed at BCF, which are not redeemable for cash.

16 x $200 prizes awarded to community members who submitted a catch.

Comp draw dates:

  • Monday, 1 July 2026
  • Thursday, 3 August 2026
  • Friday, 1 September 2026
  • Tuesday, 1 October 2026
  • Friday, 2 November 2026
  • Friday, 1 December 2026
  • Wednesday, 4 January 2027
  • Friday, 1 February 2027

All prizes must be claimed from the Palmerston Recreation Centre by COB 15 February 2027. 

 

Submit a catch here (don’t forget to upload your photos). 

Two photos of your tagged Barramundi catch must be submitted:

The first photo must show the tag on the barramundi (still attached), with the numbers clearly visible. Tags should not be removed from the fish. 

The second photo you must show yourself with your catch and be taken at the lake where the fish was caught. Please note that fish need to be held horizontally and supported under the belly. Please don't hold the fish by the hook or the lip.  

Tagged Barramundi are NOT to be removed from the lakes, and must be released once your photos have been taken.

No, terms and conditions apply. 

Registered participants who submit a tagged Barramundi will be entered into the monthly draw of the month they capture the Barramundi.

Untagged Barramundi caught during the competition period will not be eligible for entry. 

Note that each competition month begins at 12:00 am on the first day of the month and ends at 11:59 pm on the last day of the month. The winners will be contacted the next business day. 

Visit the winners and prize information page for more details. 

Competition winners will be contacted by Council staff via phone. Please ensure you enter the correct phone number when you register and submit your catch.

Winners’ names may also be listed on our website and our social media.

Prizes can be collected between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm at the Palmerston Recreation Centre, 11 The Boulevard, as organised over the phone. 

Fishing is strictly prohibited in Durack Lakes 3 and 4 due to the presence of a highly invasive aquatic weed Ambulia ‘Limnophila sessiflora’, also known as Asian Marshweed. No fish have been released into these lakes.


Ambulia can spread quickly outcompeting other plants and form a thick mat which depletes oxygen supply for fish. To ensure the health of our waterways and prevent the spread please: 

  • Do not fish
  • Do not remove or transport any lake water
  • Do not remove, transport or disturb any floating or submerged weeds
     

 

The Northern Territory Government website contains various information about recreational fishing including how to release your catch and correct handling procedures for fish. Click here to be redirected.