Stilt Fisherman
The stilt fishermen are a popular sight in Ahangama, as they sit silently and unmoving on their poles, high above the sea surface, for hours, waiting to catch the small fish that swarm in the shallow offshore waters.
Stilt Fisherman
A tradition to behold
Stilt fishing is one of Sri Lanka's most fascinating traditional fishing methods. It was founded shortly after World War II, according to records. Until the tsunami in 2004, when such activities were temporarily halted, this mode of fishing was more extensively used all along the coast. The picturesque image of fisherman poised on branched poles fishing expertly at dawn, noon, and evening is now prevalent along the southern shore.
History of Stilt Fishing
An innovative practice that was adopted during the Second World War due to food shortages and overcrowded fishing spots, the current method of stilt fishing is the end result of two generations of fishermen honing and perfecting the craft. From dawn till dusk, you can see them along a 30-kilometre stretch of southern shore between the towns of Unawatuna and Weligama.
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