Manhattan Cup coming up June 7

The annual Manhattan Cup to raise money for disabled vets is coming up next Friday at Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City.

Many of the top charter and private boat skippers volunteer their boats which are used to carry anglers to fish for stripers and blues in an all-release format. It usually takes bass of 40-50 pounds to win the top prize, but there are many categories also providing valuable prizes.

The event starts with a big breakfast before the fleet blasts off, and ends with an even bigger dinner before prizes are awarded. For tournament info visit http://www.ManhattanCup.com or call Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917 468-4817 — or Gary Caputi at 732 740-9982.

Jim Hutchinson Jr. of the Fisherman magazine says there’s no longer any problem with water temperatures in rivers and back bays as the recent hot days have jumped it up as high as 73 degrees and turned on the fluke. On the other hand, a boater checking out Hudson Canyon found 54 degree waters and no life.

The forecast is great, with northwest winds at 5-10 knots before shifting to southwest at 10-15 in the afternoon.

Bluefish are back in the picture. The Golden Eagle from Belmar found them on top this morning as many fares caught limits. They finished up with a pick of sea bass on long drifts.

Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen at Atlantic Highlands reported “Another top 10 day with good fishing once again!

Had a nice pick on some beautiful Sea Bass right from the start, a couple Ling mixed in also. Made a few drops until the current got right then the bite got much better.

Steve (Chaos) had an early limit, a pool winning Cod fish and a would have been Keeper Blackfish all on a jig today. Several other customers had all thier keepers in the coolers also.“

That boat is chartered on Saturday.

Vinny D’Anton is back from Sarasota, and has caught some 5-pound blues in the Monmouth County surf.