Sometimes, I think I may have to "unfriend" some of my friends, at least temporarily - only the ones who have time to fish when I don't. Day after day, I log onto Facebook only to see the scroll of trout pictures. I console myself by thinking that so far, heavy rains have kept the waters deep and cool. There may be plenty of time yet to wet a line this spring.

In fact, the Lehigh River Stocking Association (www.LRSA.org) is presenting just such an opportunity. And not just an opportunity to catch trout, but the opportunity to catch huge trout. The LRSA annual Lunkerfest is slated for Saturday, May 13 (see below) and they'll be stocking about 1,400 trout which are 14-28 inches long. The event takes a lot of work but is worth it in terms of both fishing fun and awareness of issues that affect fishing."We started Lunkerfest - this is the seventh year - to promote our efforts stocking the Lehigh River, and it also gives us a chance to thank our members and hopefully attract more supporters," said Steve Chukra, LRSA. "It also gives us an opportunity to promote awareness of our environmental efforts, such as the abandoned mine drainage treatment impoundment at Nesquehoning Creek, as well as our water quality surveys.""Our members and many non-members enjoy the venue as it gives them an opportunity to commune with like-minded sports-people," he added. "And, to fish for trophy-sized trout."Anglers will head to the Lehigh River but the LRSA also makes sure anglers of all ages have the opportunity to fish. At the event, they will stock a kids' fishing pool with about 100 trout (which will later be released into the Lehigh). Chukra said that in prior years, about two dozen children have participated. They use a baited rod with a single hook.In addition to netting a big fish, you may also land a big prize. Prizes up for grabs include rod and reel outfits, rafting trips, lures, flies, and other various donated prizes. The person who catches the biggest fish gets a $100 gift certificate from Hill's Taxidermy in Lehighton to have the winning fish mounted. There will be about 50 prizes."The mission statement for the LRSA is to restock and restore the Lehigh River, and ensure access and an abundant fishery for everyone to enjoy," Chukra said. "Lunkerfest gives us the opportunity to showcase our organization, and we'd love it if you participate, and also decide to join the LRSA."WHENSaturday, May 13 (high water date Saturday, May 20). Sign up starts at 7 a.m., fishing contest runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.WHERELehigh River, East Penn Boat Launch, Bowmanstown. Fee for LRSA members is $20, $25 for non-members, kids under 12 fish free.DETAILSThe LRSA will stock 1,400 trout that are from 14-28 inches long. More than a dozen of the fish will be more than 20 inches long. Also, 10 trout that are 26 inches long will be stocked.OFFICIAL BOUNDARIESThe official Lunkerfest boundaries run from the confluence of the Lehigh River and Lizard Creek to the bottom of the island just below the East Penn Boat Ramp. The section of the river is .9 miles long and contains exceptional trout water.IN ADDITIONLRSA memberships and raffle tickets for prizes will be available at sign-up. Food, drinks, and bait will be available for purchase. The LRSA also plans to give away prizes. There are picnic tables and a bathroom on site. No alcohol is allowed.RULESSign up begins at 7 a.m. Wristbands will be given to participants to wear during the contest. For safety reasons, the LRSA may postpose the event if river flows are greater than 1700 CFS at Lehighton as reported on the USGS website the day before the contest. Check the LRSA Facebook page for updates. All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply. Any fish, with or without a tag, caught during Lunkerfest is eligible for a prize. Wading and boat fishing is permitted, and all legal baits, lures and flies are allowed. Each fish must be brought to the measuring table for prize consideration. Prizes and raffle winners will be announced beginning at 3 p.m.DONATIONSCabela's, L.L. Bean, Acme Markets, JBS Meats, Skinner Guide Service, Rivers Outdoor Adventure, Wayne Rod, BC Bait, Boyer's Hardware, Wildlands Conservancy, Bob's Taxidermy, Archery at the Glen, River Walck Saloon, Catfish Creek Cabins, Flies by George, Big Daddy Reels, Wink's Wildlife Studio, Renaldo Enterprises, Clear Water Angling Guide Service, Timberwolf Spinners, Lip Ripper Charters, Wackem Guide Service, Hill's Taxidermy and more.