SRI LANKA: Stilt Fishing

Stilt fishing, known as "Ritipanna," is primarily practiced along the southern coast.

Is believed to have started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowding along the shores forced fishermen to find new ways to fish.

Instead of using boats they built stilts (poles) in shallow waters, allowing them to fish without disturbing the water.

 

 

 

Fishermen sit on a crossbar (petta) attached to a wooden pole embedded in the seabed.

Using a simple fishing rod and bait they patiently wait for small fish like herrings and mackerels.

It looks to me that it would take great balance, patience, and skill, as the fishermen remain on stilts for hours.

The catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami damaged many fishing stilts and disrupted the practice.

Due to over fishing and modernization, traditional stilt fishing has declined and many fishermen have shifted to tourism-related jobs where they pose for photographs in exchange for money.

It is always good to support the local economy.

 

 And here is John, photo bombing.... again!