Posted on April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 NJOA fights to open state parks The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) has been opposed to the closure of state parks due to the pandemic right from the announcement of the executive order by Gov. Murphy, and have been circulating a petition calling for him to change that position. Now, they are asking those who agree the parks should be open for much-needed recreation to contact the governor and legislators to express that opinion. Visit info@njoutdooralliance.org for talking points and links. Dan, a regular on this blog, said there were a lot of cars in the lots during Saturday’s trout opener, but everyone was well-spaced on the streams — as were the trout. Many caught one or two — and some more. Stocking continues, and there are no special restrictions on those days. The Hudson River Fisherman’s Association has extended the registration deadline for its 2020 Catch and Release Striper Tournament  to May 1 because the  pandemic has hurt participation. The contest will go on in any case, though prizes may have to be reduced to prevent a loss to the HRFA. Contact Joe Albanese for info at 908 456-2968 — or joealbanese2@hrfanj.org. Small craft warnings are  up until 2 a.m. Showers are likely in the morning when winds will be northwest at 10-15 knots before going to west with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.