The Manhattan Cup: 25 Years of Fishing for a Purpose

For 25 years, the Manhattan Cup has brought together anglers, captains, volunteers, sponsors, veterans, and first responders for a day that is about far more than catching fish.

This year's event marked another chapter in a tradition built on service, gratitude, and the healing power of time spent on the water. This year, I had the opportunity to document the people, the moments, and the spirit that make the Manhattan Cup such a special event.

Fishing has a unique way of bringing people together. Out on the water, everyone shares the same goal, the same excitement, and often the same appreciation for being outdoors. For many participants, that day on the water becomes much more than a fishing trip, it becomes an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and build lasting friendships.

The photographs below capture just a few of the moments that made this year's Manhattan Cup so memorable. I hope they help tell the story of an event that continues to make a difference in the lives of veterans while bringing the fishing community together around a shared purpose.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, organized, and served.

Here's to another 25 years of fishing for a purpose!

Sergio

What impressed me most was the number of people who donate their time, boats, resources, and energy to make the event happen. The captains, sponsors, organizers, and volunteers all contribute to creating an experience that honors those who have sacrificed so much in service to others. The result is an event that feels genuine, personal, and deeply meaningful.

Originally created in the years following 9/11, the Manhattan Cup was founded on a simple but powerful idea: use fishing as a force for good. Each year, veterans and first responders are paired with volunteer captains and anglers for a day on the water, providing an opportunity to relax, connect with others, and experience the camaraderie that so many service members miss after returning home. Over the years, the event has welcomed more than a thousand heroes and continues to expand its impact.

Manhattan Cup 2026