The southwest monsoon (Yala monsoon), that of May to September is the ideal time to see the stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka. If you drive along the coast early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you still have the chance to actually see the stilt fishermen at work. If you come later in the day, it's more for show. We stopped at a spot where two stilt fishermen were waiting for us. When we arrived, they asked if we wanted to take pictures. For a small tip, they went into the water and pretended to be fishing. The location to see the stilt fishermen is perfectly located between Unawatuna and Mirissa, along a route you are probably already taking anyway. A nice opportunity for a short stop!

Stilt fishing originated during World War II, when food shortages and overfished areas forced fishermen to find new ways to fish. The idea was simple: create a platform in a place that is difficult for other fishermen to reach.

This technique offers two more important advantages that increase fish catches:

1. Fishing above the waves – By standing on stilts, the fishermen remain stable and have a better overview of the water, which makes it easier to spot the fish.
2. Fishing in shallow water – Stilt fishing allows fishing in shallower areas, where other fishing methods are often ineffective.

This technique has not only improved fishing, but has now become an important part of Sri Lankan fishing tradition.

If you like fishing, it is certainly a fun experience to cast your own fishing line! There are various tours available via Tripadvisor where you can fish yourself, such as the tour: SCountfishing experience in Ahangama. During this tour you will learn all about the unique tradition of stilt fishing and the history behind it. You will also get a tour of the charming village and even a cooking class, where you will learn to prepare local dishes. A fun way to discover both the culture and flavors of Sri Lanka!