Though some boaters never found bluefin tuna over the weekend, those fish are scattered over a wide area and as close inshore at times as Little Italy and the Mud Hole. Mike Ingles of Wall and Niff Ambrosino of Brick found them near the Resor this morning and trolled a 71-incher from Change Order out of Manasquan Inlet that measured 71 inches and weighed 185 pounds.

Andreas Toy from Keyport had a limit of “under” bluefins on Sunday before switching to tilefishing which produced goldens up to 30 pounds and bluelines to15 pounds.

At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Rob Semkewyc left stripers biting today on his live lining trip with the Sea Hunter as the boat was limited. He has canceled tomorrow’s striper trip due to the weather forecast, but will be sailing for stripers with a limited group with reservations on Friday. He may also make one more striper trip next Wednesday. See photo below,

Capt. Ron Santee Jr. continues to enjoy good sea bass fishing on his Fishermen along with some ling up to 4 pounds along plus a few winter flounder.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported continued hot sea bass action today plus ling and a few whiting — but there was no mention of the tuna they saw the day before.

The weather forecast is for south winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 and showers.

It’s not often that everything works out perfectly in fishing, but that was the case when Chuck Many invited me to join him on Tyman from Gateway Marina in Highlands for my 85th birthday. I joined Capt. Lou Grazioso and Dave Glassberg as we enjoyed sunshine and almost calm seas.

Many has been catching big stripers with his technique of trolling live eels on planer boards, and we had a perfect day to run down the beach and deploy a multitude of rods set at various depths in the still cool ocean waters that are holding spawned-out bass moving up the coast to New England.

It didn’t take long before a bass was hooked, but cut the leader on something below, However, our fortunes soon changed and I fought a 39-pounder that made my day. When fish that were marking failed to hit, Many made a move that got me over the 40-pound barrier with a 46–pounder. As with all of the stripers caught on Tyman, that fish received a Grey fish tag and was measured before being released to fight another day.

Many’s magic wasn’t finished as my next hit resulted in a much longer run. When Lou first saw the fish come up he thought it was a shark, but was actually an even bigger bass which recorded 51 pounds on Chuck’s Boga Grip. That was my 16th striper over 50 pounds, and only my second from N.J. waters. See photo with Lou below.

The last bass I reeled in was the smallest at 34 pounds, but it provided a blistering surface run on a spinning rod. It was a fine end to a relatively short day by Chuck’s standards, and I’m indebted to my friends who made a beautiful day on the ocean a memorable one for an old salt.

Another similar day is forecast for tomorrow. The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported red hot sea bass fishing that resulted in a boat limit. They also chased splashing bluefish without much success — and saw tuna on the surface that wouldn’t hit. ,

It appears so far that the cold northeaster didn’t negatively affect fishing in NY/NJ Bight. Bottom fishing in particular is often poor after a storm, but the Golden Eagle from Belmar found the largest inshore sea bass of the season which ranged up to Leon Murray’s 5-pounder. They also had ling, winter flounder and a few whiting. The Jamaica from Brielle reported a boat limit of sea bass plus ling and a couple of flounder, but a big out of season blackfish had to be released. Larry Palaia from Ct. won the pool with a 4-pound sea bass. Those boats will continue will continue to sail daily at 7:30 a.m. for sea bass.

Capt. Rob Semkewyc caught some fluke with his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands, but said it still wasn’t good. Therefore, he will once again take reservations at $100 a man for live lining stripers from Wednesday to Friday. Those limited trips were very successful last week.

Capt. Lou Grazioso has heard of good trolling and casting catches of school bluefin tuna not too far offshore, and the Canyon Runner from Point Pleasant reports large quantities of those tuna further off plus bigeyes in the canyons.

John Bushell Jr. at Betty & Nick’s in Seaside Park was surprised to see the surf way down after the storm, though dirty — but suitable for fishing with clams. A couple of tide changes should clear it up.

The forecast is for south winds at 5-10 knots with 2-foot seas.

Though the Memorial Day weekend has been a washout, there may be some hope for Monday — plus something to look forward to this week as the Manhattan Cup returns after a year lost to the pandemic.

Monday’s forecast is for clearing northwest winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 and diminishing 3-5-foot seas. Many party boats should return to fishing tomorrow. Be sure to check with skippers before coming down. The Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands will be sailing for fluke, but if Capt. Rob Semkewyc feels that striped bass are still available in the bay, he will post days this week when he will live line bunkers for stripers with limited reservations..

The press release for the June 4 Manhattan Cup follows with all details. There’s still time for anglers to sign up and fish with top charter and private boat captains for the many prizes available.

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

The Manhattan Cup is underwritten and sponsored by the RFA-Fisheries Conservation Trust and presented by Yamaha Outboards. Sponsors  include Staten Island Yacht Sales, Steigercraft boats, Interlux, Raymarine, Liberty Landing Marina, Black Rifle Coffee, D&R Boat Sales, Fin Chasers TV, Tsunami Awesome Tackle, Bimini Bay, The Fisherman, Alltackle.com, AFW Fishing Brands, Tony Maja Products, Starbrite, Princeton Tec, StormR, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, Pettit, Manhattan2Montauk, Guides Secret lures, Gray Taxidermy, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, AFTCO, ‘Wichcraft, and other companies to be announced at a later date.

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

The Manhattan Cup is underwritten and sponsored by the RFA-Fisheries Conservation Trust and presented by Yamaha Outboards. Sponsors  include Staten Island Yacht Sales, Steigercraft boats, Interlux, Raymarine, Liberty Landing Marina, Black Rifle Coffee, D&R Boat Sales, Fin Chasers TV, Tsunami Awesome Tackle, Bimini Bay, The Fisherman, Alltackle.com, AFW Fishing Brands, Tony Maja Products, Starbrite, Princeton Tec, StormR, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, Pettit, Manhattan2Montauk, Guides Secret lures, Gray Taxidermy, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, AFTCO, ‘Wichcraft, and other companies to be announced at a later date.

#### Reply  Re

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

The Manhattan Cup is underwritten and sponsored by the RFA-Fisheries Conservation Trust and presented by Yamaha Outboards. Sponsors  include Staten Island Yacht Sales, Steigercraft boats, Interlux, Raymarine, Liberty Landing Marina, Black Rifle Coffee, D&R Boat Sales, Fin Chasers TV, Tsunami Awesome Tackle, Bimini Bay, The Fisherman, Alltackle.com, AFW Fishing Brands, Tony Maja Products, Starbrite, Princeton Tec, StormR, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, Pettit, Manhattan2Montauk, Guides Secret lures, Gray Taxidermy, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, AFTCO, ‘Wichcraft, and other companies to be announced at a later date.

#### Reply  Re

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

The Manhattan Cup is underwritten and sponsored by the RFA-Fisheries Conservation Trust and presented by Yamaha Outboards. Sponsors  include Staten Island Yacht Sales, Steigercraft boats, Interlux, Raymarine, Liberty Landing Marina, Black Rifle Coffee, D&R Boat Sales, Fin Chasers TV, Tsunami Awesome Tackle, Bimini Bay, The Fisherman, Alltackle.com, AFW Fishing Brands, Tony Maja Products, Starbrite, Princeton Tec, StormR, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, Pettit, Manhattan2Montauk, Guides Secret lures, Gray Taxidermy, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, AFTCO, ‘Wichcraft, and other companies to be announced at a later date.

#### Reply  Re

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

The Manhattan Cup is underwritten and sponsored by the RFA-Fisheries Conservation Trust and presented by Yamaha Outboards. Sponsors  include Staten Island Yacht Sales, Steigercraft boats, Interlux, Raymarine, Liberty Landing Marina, Black Rifle Coffee, D&R Boat Sales, Fin Chasers TV, Tsunami Awesome Tackle, Bimini Bay, The Fisherman, Alltackle.com, AFW Fishing Brands, Tony Maja Products, Starbrite, Princeton Tec, StormR, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, Pettit, Manhattan2Montauk, Guides Secret lures, Gray Taxidermy, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, AFTCO, ‘Wichcraft, and other companies to be announced at a later date.

#### Reply  Re

The 20th Manhattan Cup

Benefiting transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation

SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 2021

The Manhattan Cup Charity Striped Bass Tournament, presented by Yamaha Outboards, is scheduled for June 4, 2021 at Liberty Landing Marina and the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, NJ. You can support transitioning combat veterans and striped bass conservation by entering to fish in any of the categories or by making a tax-deductible charitable donation. Visit www.manhattancup.com for details.

The Manhattan Cup is an all-release tournament that encourages tagging of all released fish. All winning fish will be determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to reduce time out of the water and further improve survivability. Certified measuring devices will be provided. A portion of the revenue generated will be used for satellite tagging striped bass in conjunction with Gray FishTag Research and other programs aimed at conversation through expanding scientific knowledge of these amazing creatures.

The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament in a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides and anglers. Most are dealing with visible and invisible wounds such as PTSD. In past years this the tournament has introduced numerous vets to the joy of fishing helping some with a difficult readjustment to life after combat, while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you’ve fished the Manhattan Cup before you know it is a first-class event that includes a pre-fishing breakfast and captain/angler meeting, gourmet box lunches for all, and an awards dinner/BBQ in the shadow of the NYC skyline at the Liberty House Restaurant. All health requirements will be in place for the event to keep participants and personnel a safe environment. Celebrity anglers will be in attendance and we will again honor FDNY hero and warrior MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life during Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight to destroy ISIS, in Syria in 2018. Chris was flying an air force rescue helicopter in support of special forces when his chopper went down in enemy held territory.

There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day on our website or by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a charter boat. Can’t fish, but want to help? Make a donation to sponsor one or more warriors. No donation is too small, all are greatly appreciated. Your company can become a tournament sponsor with a product or a cash donation by calling Gary Caputi or John DePersenaire. Dinner tickets will also be available for purchase to non-fishermen who want to honor our heroes and get in on the celebration, raffles, auctions and fun.

Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lures or Bait with numerous trophies presented in each category. You’ll enjoy an amazing day surrounded by wonderful people, celebrity anglers and chefs, all pitching in to make the event a success. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession in front of the Statue of Liberty leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish. After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with arguably the best view of the NYC skyline found anywhere. Following cocktails, fish tales, and networking the Awards Dinner starts with an outdoor BBQ with steaks, seafood and prize Hummock Island Oysters courtesy of renowned fly and light tackle guide, Capt. Jeff Northrup. Raffles and auctions commence featuring fishing trips donated by local guides and captains and several boats featured on Wicked Tuna, in addition to tackle, trips and more. All proceeds are used for fisheries conservation efforts specifically targeting striped bass and to expand our efforts to bring combat veterans fishing.

Go to www.manhattancup.com and sign up, donate or purchase tickets. If you have questions call John DePersenaire at the RFA at 609-294-3810, Gary Caputi at 732-740-9982 or Capt. Frank Crescitelli at 917-468-4817.

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Though the gale warning continues through tonight, there should be much better weather ahead. Northeast gusts to 40 knots drop to 20-25 knots Sunday with 6-9-foot seas and rain. However, Monday is looking much better with west winds at just 5-10 knots plus a chance of morning rain.

While the northeast winds will be diminishing, there isn’t any forecast of strong west winds to knock down the sea. As a result, it may take a couple of days to settle and clear ocean waters. Sea bass fishing has been generally very good, but big swells aren’t good for bottom fishing. Jon Falkowski of Linden fished aboard the Golden Eagle from Belmar during the last beautiful day on Thursday He said fishing started slowly, but after 10 a.m. there were plenty of sea bass and ling caught while he also hooked a conger and an ocean pout.

Chuck Many had been doing very well with huge stripers to over the magic 50-pound mark on his Ty Man from Highlands prior to the storm, and felt badly that Lee Wakefield’s cow bass release barely missed the 50-pound status.

The same thing happened Wednesday when Many counted 41 releases from 34 to 49 pounds with David Mangone fighting the biggest.

Capt. Rob Semkewyc wasn’t happy with the early fluke fishing, and switched some weekday trips on his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands to live lining bunkers for large bass on a reservation basis at $100 a man. That worked out well, and he’s planning to do the same thing this week.

I

I joined Mark Roy and his friend Bob on Release Me from Raritan Marina for a Thursday run into the bay where we had a hard time finding bunkers. We ended up limiting in the back of the bay with the few we managed to snag though bluefish were a problem. Mark dropped me off so I could drive home in daylight, but after running back out they found the late afternoon bite was all blues when they trolled mo-jos in the same area where we had been marking bass.

Jersey Shore surfcasting has been generally so poor that the weekend northeaster could actually be a blessing in disguise. Joe Melillo thinks the problem could be continuing cold surf waters, and that may change after the storm. Last Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament at IBSP was contested in perfect weather and Tom Fote of the JCAA said 455 anglers fished in flat calm surf to catch very little even though the fluke season was open unlike in many previous events,

The press release follows:

Summer Weather and Summer FlounderA summer-like day had participants in the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament enjoy a day of family fishing fun at Island Beach State Park despite not catching a lot of fish. DEP Acting Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and DEP Assistant Commissioner Ray Bukowski were able spend time on the beach visiting with some participants.Tyler Bender of Milford won the tournament cup with a 21 1/2″ bluefish, and Manasquan High School won the High School Team category with a 20 5/8″ summer flounder.

Summer Weather and Summer FlounderA

Fishing conditions are looking poor for the weekend with small craft warnings for northeast winds up tomorrow before a gale warning in the afternoon. I’ll catch up with reports tomorrow. .

Fishing conditions

Chuck Many reports “Awesome couple days of Tagging big Stripers with Gray FishTag Research (Jim Hutchinson Jr., Bill Dobbelaer, John Tiedemann, Bob Nikki Bowden, Roxanne Wilmer). Got a Satellite Tag in a beautiful 44”, 35 pound Bass and tagged about a dozen more to 49”, 44 pounds. Great times, Great People!!”

Capt. Rob Semkewyc didn’t have enough anglers to make his live lining striper trip this morning on his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands, but will try again tomorrow.

The forecast is good , with west winds at 5-10 knots before a northeaster rolls in for the weekend.

The Jamaica reported mostly limits of sea bass yesterday along with ling and even another monkfish. They will continue with that fishing from Brielle at 7:3 0 each morning

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had limits of sea bass again today..

Capt. Rob Semkewyc didn’t have enough anglers to make a live lining trip for stripers today with his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands. However, he will try again tomorrow.

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Everyone seems to be doing well with sea bass this season, but there’s often some variety in the catch. The Jamaica from Brielle found that to be the case on Monday when two monkfish were added along with a few whiting.

Monkfish are properly known as anglers, and also commonly called goosefish as they’ve been known to clamp on a dangling goose leg in shallow waters and drag the unfortunate bird to the bottom. The angler grows to well over 50 pounds, and is capable of swallowing prey almost as large as itself. My personal record of 42 1/2 pounds was caught on an umbrella rig being trolled with wire line at Shark’s Ledge off Block Island. Though ugly, they are very good eating and only have one bone running through a mound of meat after cleaning.

After a long stretch of fine weather, there’s a change starting Wednesday after starting with 10-15-knot southwest winds. In the afternoon it kicks up to 15-20 knots with a chance of showers and thunder storms.

I’m traveling back to N.J. today, and won’t be back in time to do another blog until Wednesday night.

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There have been sea bass openers when that fishing died down to a pick after the initial burst, but that doesn’t seem to be the case so far as limits are still common. The Golden Eagle from Belmar was able to put in the day on just one wreck that produced 95% keeper sea bass. However, conditions weren’t right for bluefish which have been showing up most days. Those 2-4-pounders have been hitting jigs.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant has last minute openings on tomorrow’s trip as follows:

“Open Boat Sea BassTomorrow. May 25 2 spots opened up!! 6:30am departure, 15 man max, $110 Call 732-370-8019 between 8am and 8pm to reserve your spots. Pulling up Sea Bass, Ling, Cod!! And a few other surprises too! Or book your private Charter…. see our Rates Page at www.mimivi.com“

Due to the slow start with fluke, the Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands will be switching to live lining for striped bass on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The trips are limited to 20 anglers at $100 by reservation.

The Sea Tiger II from that port did a lot of running around for few fluke Sunday morning, but had one fare with the first three-fluke limit on the afternoon trip when a few blues were also caught.

Capt. Stan Zagleski Jr. said the first weekend of fluking on Elaine B II from Bahrs in Highlands only produced a pick of shorts and keepers, but the highlight was seeing a large whale just 20 feet off the bow at the dock.

Results from yesterday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament haven’t been posted as yet.