Sportfish Life: Stars and Stripes

Heroes, Celebrities and Everyday Anglers Gathered for the 2010 Manhattan Cup in the Shadow of New York’s Famous Skyline

Written by Jeff Merrill

Windows of skyscrapers in lower Manhattan reflected the early morning sunlight like tinsel on a Christmas tree as we headed down the Hudson River toward New York Harbor. Passing Lady Liberty, her right arm stretched skyward and golden torch glistening brightly reinforced how lucky we are to live in this country while a glance toward Ellis Island brought back memories of my grandparents who passed through there and became US citizens. Looking back over my shoulder a mosquito fleet of vessels from small center consoles to mid-sized sportfishing craft set their sights on the Verrazano Bridge and beyond, courses plotted for their favorite fishing hole where a trophy striped bass, bluefish or weakfish may be lurking. Weaving through commercial ship and barge traffic, government craft and recreational vessels in one of the nation’s busiest ports surrounded by millions of people where heavy industry and a fragile eco-system co-exist, the novice or visiting angler might be amazed at the of world-class fishing opportunities awaiting anglers here every day.

Tournaments play an important role with anglers in the New York Metropolitan Area and it was a special event that brought us to New York City this day. The 2010 Manhattan Cup is sponsored by the Fisherman’s Conservation Association, a multi-state organization dedicated to fighting the battle to gain access for boaters and anglers, preserve fisheries habitat and protect our rights to fish while also promoting sensible conservation measures of fish. The Manhattan Cup raises funds to support special causes outside the fishing community and this year once again benefitted Jacobs Team, an organization founded to raise money to support the diagnosis, treatment and eventual cure of autism. Other beneficiaries also included the FCA’s Hooked-for-a-Lifetime program, which helps inner city kids learn about fishing as well as "To Catch the Cure" for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and also the Wounded Warrior Project.

Surfside 3 Marina, a Marinalife partner located at Chelsea Piers on Pier 59 in lower Manhattan, provided the setting for the dockside activities where anglers from 60 boats gathered for the captain’s meeting in the morning. The event has a history of attracting angling, sports and entertainment celebrities over the years including baseball’s Wade Boggs and the E-Street Band’s Clarence Clemons and this year was no exception as legendary fly fishing angler Stu Apte and Miami Dolphins alumnus Jim “Crash” Jensen were participating anglers. A very special welcome was extended for Major General Gordon Nash and Lieutenant General David Valcourt and several members of the Wounded Warriors Project who made our servicemen proud as they recorded some impressive catches during the event.

Though the tournament does offer some cash prizes, many of the awards include beautiful sculptured and painted artwork, crystal trophies and valuable fishing and boating related gear donated by tournament sponsors including Sage, Redington, Berkley. Guides Choice Tackle, D&R Boat World and Pure Fishing. Primarily a light-tackle event designed for fly, artificial lure and live bait anglers, the tournament offers awards in several categories. The Manhattan Cup, the tournament’s most prestigious prize, goes to the angler catching, weighing and releasing the largest striped bass. Additional awards for the largest striped bass, bluefish and weakfish in each of the previously mentioned categories as well as High Hook and Sport Division. The Grand Slam award is presented to the first angler catching one of each of the targeted species while the Live Release Division includes awards for the largest striped bass caught, weighed at the dock and then released alive from Chelsea Piers. To participate in this division, anglers must use a Striper Tube to keep their fish alive aboard the boat.

While the weatherman cooperated, the fish were less than enthusiastic for a few participants though some respectable catches were made. Awards were presented for all categories including 2010 Manhattan Cup winner, angler Dave Cozzone who caught a 31.68-pound striped bass while fishing with Captain Ken Zwirko. A live and silent auction that included fishing trips, fishing tackle, artwork, jewelry, boating gear and clothing raised additional funds for the FCA’s worthwhile charities.

If you’re a frequent visitor to the New York Metropolitan area or planning your first visit this summer by boat, it’s hard to find a destination with more to offer. Space limitations prevent us from highlighting all there is to see and do but suffice to say a quick Google search will reveal more restaurants, museums, cultural and sporting events and historic sites to see then one visit will allow. Several Marinalife partner marinas can be found in New York Harbor on the New York and New Jersey sides of the Hudson River. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, directly across the Hudson River from downtown Manhattan, the Newport Yacht Club & Marina is a comprehensive facility with 154 slips to accommodate vessels up to 200 feet and offers first-class service and amenities. The marina is surrounded by a luxurious nautical village that offers resort and residential living. There’s an on-site PATH subway for 10-minute access to Manhattan or quickly access the Holland Tunnel to Manhattan or local highways by car. On-site Westin and Marriott hotels are within a short walk, as are restaurants, parks, playgrounds and the upscale Newport Centre Mall shopping center.

Just up the river from Newport Yacht Club and Marina you’ll find Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club in Weehawken with 250 slips for vessels up to 120 feet. Electronic keyed gates provide access to those who may wish to enjoy dinner at one of several excellent restaurants nearby. On-site there’s a workout center and lounge, Ship’s Store, gas and diesel fuel dock, yacht detailing service, conference room and business services. A 370 room Sheraton Hotel as well as a mini-mall is conveniently located just steps away from the marina.

Many call it “The Greatest City in the World” and John Lindsay dubbed it as “Fun City” during his tenure as mayor. Some still refer to it as the Big Apple, while others just call it “The City” but whatever you call it, New York offers something for boaters and anglers including exceptional marinas, excellent fishing and a very special fishing tournament that shouldn’t be missed.

For more information visit the following web sites.

Manhattan Cup and FCA – www.manhattancup.com

Jacob’s Team – www.jacobsteam.org

Wounded Warriors Project – www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Lincoln Harbor Yacht club – www.lincolnharbormarina.com

Newport Yacht Club and Marina – www.igy-newport.com

Chelsea Piers – www.chelseapiers.com