The 22nd Manhattan Cup is scheduled for June 9. The tournament format is all-release and encourages tagging of all fish in partnership with Gray FishTag Research. Tags will be supplied, and a special award will be presented for the top tagging boat. Winning fish in other categories are determined by a simple length/girth measurement with photo verification to insure maximum survivability. The data collected through this program has been remarkable and is helping to expanded scientific knowledge of these amazing gamefish.
The Manhattan Cup brings combat veterans to fish the tournament and includes a special Warrior Division aboard boats donated by area charter captains, light-tackle guides, and anglers. Most warriors in attendance are dealing with invisible wounds such as PTSD and are at risk of suicide. An introduction to fishing has helped many with the difficult transition to life after combat.
The Manhattan Cup includes a buffet breakfast, gourmet box lunches from celebrity chef Tom Collichio’s “wichCraft” in NYC, and an awards dinner at the Liberty House Restaurant with its breathtaking view of the New York skyline. There will be celebrity guest anglers in attendance and extensive press coverage.
The Cup honors the life and accomplishments of FDNY hero firefighter and warrior helicopter aviator MSgt. Christopher J. Raguso, who lost his life on a rescue mission during Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria in 2018 through the presentation of a special memorial trophy.
There are several ways you can enter or support the event. Captains can donate their boat and services for the day by calling Capt. Frank Crescitelli. Anglers can enter as a team and fish from their own boats in the Sportsman Division. Angler teams without a boat can purchase a professional captain and boat for the day or enter as an individual and be assigned to a donated boat. If you can’t fish but want to help, make a donation and sponsor one or more warriors.
Anglers can compete in any of three categories; Fly, Artificial Lure or Bait with trophies presented in each category. It starts with breakfast and a pre-tournament meeting at Liberty Landing Restaurant followed by a boat procession to the Statue of Liberty with an FDNY fireboat water cannon display and NY Harbor Patrol Police vessels leading up to a shotgun start and day of fishing for striped bass and bluefish.
After fishing, enjoy the open bar and appetizers with 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. Raffles and auctions commence including fishing trips, fishing and boating equipment, marine electronics and more.
For information call John DePersenaire (609-576-4421), Gary Caputi (732-740-9982), Capt. Frank Crescitelli (917-468-4817) or Mike Dean (917-873-6651), or visit manhattancup.com.
