Niebuhr, Chris Brand win top honors Blue Marlin World Cup


• The crew of the Happy Hooker caught a 1,097-pound blue marlin in the Cape Verde Islands to win top honors in the Blue Marlin World Cup held worldwide July 4. It was a repeat victory for Captain Berno Niebuhr of Germany, angler Chris Brand of Portugal and their crew, which weighed an 850-pounder in 2006. A total of 149 teams competed in 17 locations around the world. The tournament is run by former IGFA president Mike Leech in Fort Lauderdale.

• Esperanza, skippered by captain Rusty Albury of Islamorada, was top boat in the Islamorada Fishing Club Junior Dolphin Tournament on July 4. Esperanza, with junior anglers John Albury, James Klein and Erik Ekbloom -- all of the Upper Keys -- weighed three dolphin totaling 33.8 pounds.

• A reminder to anglers: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a public workshop by videoconference Monday on possible changes to permit rules. There are two locations in South Florida to watch and listen to the proceedings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- the FWC south regional office, 8535 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach or the FWC south regional lab, 2796 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Or you can listen by phone. Call the FWC at 850-487-0554 and notify officials how you plan to participate.

• In the wake of the Gulf oil gusher, West Marine is asking for entries for its Marine Conservation Grants program. The marine hardware chain is donating $30,000 to recreational fishing and conservation organizations working to protect and clean up marine waters. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 1. Visit www.westmarine.com.

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