Posted on April 17, 2021 The Manhattan Cup is back! Though the pandemic wiped out the traditional sportsman’s shows, the return of the Manhattan Cup on June 4 is a big step forward on the return to normalcy. Tournament Chairman Gary Caputi notes that everything will be the same as with the last contest. – but bigger and better. I’ll have the details shortly. The Golden Eagle from Belmar had another frustrating morning reading stripers and bait in the ocean while not getting any bites. However, turning to bottom fishing produced two dozen blackfish, a dozen ling and a cod. They also returned 18 sea bass that aren’t in season. They plan to start looking for stripers again at 7:30 tomorrow before bottom fishing if necessary. The Raritan Bay report from Atlantic Highlands wasn’t as good. Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen said the jig bite wasn’t on, so he went to bait despite a wind against tide situation. On the change of tide at mid-day there was some action with short stripers, though no keepers. Santee noted that he marked small bass in many areas. Bob Matthews of Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina tried the local surf this morning for stripers, but only saw a beautiful sky. The forecast is great for Sunday with a northwest breeze at 5-10 knots before turning south in the afternoon.