Teams are gearing up around the world to compete in the unique 24th annual World Cup Blue Marlin Championship, (World Cup). Each year on the Fourth Of July top captains, anglers and their teams attempt to catch the largest blue marlin over 500 pounds. One winner takes all. There is no second place in this tournament where anglers from the west coast of Africa to the South Pacific marlin hot spots all compete for top honors and a pile of money. Fishing takes place for 8 hours in the anglers time zone. Last year's winner took home over $343,000. Registration fee is $3000 per team.
Teams can register on line with a credit card at www.bluemarlinworldcup.com. They can also print out the application form and mail it to World Cup, PO Box 4350, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, 33338.
The optional "Big Blue Challenge" is an additional $5000 category for those that wish to enter.
In 2007, no angler landing a qualifying marlin was entered in the optional pool and the entry fee was returned, less tournament expenses.
In last year's competition, teams entered from Angola, Portugal and numerous Atlantic Ocean islands. Several Caribbean and Central American nations were also represented as well as the Bahamas, US, Mexico and as far west as Tahiti. The most teams always seem to register from Bermuda and Kona, Hawaii which is reflected in the fact that each of those locations has produced World Cup winners five times. In all the other years, winners have come from widely scattered locations.
The only rule change for the 2008 World Cup is there is now a list of approved fishing lines as well as ANY IGFA class line. The list of approved lines can be seen on the World Cup web site under Rule 13. Questions concerning line or any other rules can be addressed to the Tournament Director, Mike Leech at (954) 566-2813.
On July 4, real time standings will be posted on the web site or can be obtained by calling tournament headquarters in Ft Lauderdale, Florida at (954) 566-2813. Several lines will be open. Traditionally, anglers fishing in Hawaii, which is usually the furthest west time zone where teams are registered, will know what size marlin they have to beat before leaving the dock.
An added bonus for the team landing the heaviest blue marlin over 500 lb in the World Cup is a fabulous trip for up to five guests to fish for three days at Ascention Island. Accommodations will be aboard the world famous THE MADAM mother ship and fishing on the sleek 61 foot custom Carolina sportfisherman, WILD HOOKER. The operation is run by renowned Captain Clay Hensley (info at worldwidesportfishing@gmail.com.) It offers a rare opportunity to fish one of the worlds most remote giant blue marlin hot spots. Transportation to the island not included.
Black Bart lures, the official lure of the World Cup, were responsible for catching 2 of 4 qualifying marlin in the 2007 event. Another monster blue was lost on a Black Bart lure in Madeira. For information on obtaining replicas of those lures go to www.blackbartlures.com or call (561) 842-4550.
IWS Scales of California (www.iwsscales.com) is the official scale of the World Cup. Their Scale Master II Duel Range Tournament Scale weighs to 2000 lb and is carried on many leading offshore tournament boats. It's a good idea to carry their compact scale which is fully certified when shipped and comes in a waterproof case. | 
