Stilt fishermen Sri lanka
The art of stilt fishing is unique to Sri Lanka, bringing hoards of tourists to catch the stilt fishermen posed picturesquely on their poles at dusk and dawnStilt fishermen Sri lanka beaches sunsets travel photography
Stilt fishing is often thought to be an ancient form, indigenous to the island. Although the second half may be true, it is far from ancient. Stilt fishing actually developed during WW2, when food was short, and fishing areas were over populated by fishermen. This forced a few creative men to move farther out to sea, first using capsized boats and downed airplanes to perch on whilst they fished in quieter, and richer waters. Soon, they began erecting stilts far from the coastline, using the reefs for elevation and access to larger schools of fish.
Now, of the few genuine stilt fishermen left, most perch much farther out to sea than the posers that sit along the coast line. It seems the tradition is a dying one, unsettled by dwindling fish numbers, thanks to the tsunami, and rising tourists interested in watching. For many fishermen it is simply more financially viable to take money from tourists than actually fishing.
Stilt fishermen Sri lanka beaches sunsets travel photography