Fishing in one way to connect with nature  during your Sri Lankan holiday !

Sri Lanka is famous for fishermen perched on the shoreline on stilts to catch fish, especially in the South Coast between the towns of Weligama and Unawatuna. The art of stilt fishing, an omnipresent image on post cards, is relatively new to the island as it was taken up here during the Second World War due to shortages.

If you are keen on photographing them, there is no dearth of real fishermen on their stilts and some others who mime them for the sake of tourists!

If you are really into fishing, your trip to Sri Lanka can prove very rewarding. Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can rival each other to catch Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Barracuda, King Mackerel and of course a Giant Trevally or the occasional Marlin.

Deep sea fishing trips on board dedicated fishing boats skippered by well-experienced professionals are conducted by companies specialised in gamefishing. An organised trip can increase your chances of a rewarding catch. Full day or half-day boating trips depart from ports such as Kalpitiya, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Weligama, Tangalle and Trincomalee. Equipment can be hired if you do not wish to lug yours from home. Baits (live or not) and lures are provided.

If the season you are visiting Sri Lanka is not suitable for deep sea fishing, you can always try inland fishing. The numerous lakes, rivers and waterways offer exciting and spectacular spots for anglers to test their knack and tackle. The usual catch is Bull-eyed Mackerel, Barramundi or Mangrove Jack and there are reports of Trevally and Barracuda being caught in places where salinity levels are high. Inland fishing trips are more suited to children. The main spots are Bolgoda Lake, 20 km from Colombo and Madu Ganga in the south.