Along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, from Galle Fort extending southeast to the shallow waters near Mirissa, you can see dozens of relatively thin wooden poles planted in the sea against the backdrop of endless ocean views. A short horizontal crossbar is tied midway up each pole, with another slanted stick forming a triangular support below. Fishermen perch on this simple structure above the water, patiently waiting with slender fishing rods for the tides to bring them their catch.
This unique fishing posture is known as stilt fishing.
To understand its origin, we have to go back to World War II in Sri Lanka. At that time, fishermen were banned from going out to sea, and struggling to make a living, they were forced to find new ways to fish. Based on long-accumulated experience, they knew that shallow coastal areas were the migratory paths of small fish such as sardines and mackerel — prime fishing spots. However, these areas were usually several hundred meters from shore with a water depth of 1 to 2 meters. Using their ingenuity, the fishermen devised a method of driving poles into the seabed, creating supports that allowed them to fish in the nearshore waters.
Sitting on a wooden pole may not be difficult, but fishing from one is a whole different challenge.
Fishermen hold slender, 3-meter-long fishing rods without bait. By observing the position of the waves, they judge the movement of the fish and, relying on experience and skill, wait for the fish to come close. When a fish approaches the rod, a quick lift hooks it by the mouth. This requires a deep understanding of the sea and extremely fast reflexes.
Nowadays, fishermen no longer need this method to make a living, but the unique fishing technique is still preserved in the shallow waters off Sri Lanka’s southwest coast for visitors to see and experience.
Tourists can, with the help of the fishermen, climb onto the wooden poles, try fishing suspended above the water, and even capture a striking souvenir photo.
