Stilt fishermen of the south coast
Men perched on poles in the surf are a real fishing method, now mostly performed for cameras. Know which you are paying for.
What stilt fishing actually is
The method is real. A fisherman sits on a crossbar fixed to a pole planted in shallow surf and fishes with a rod, no boat needed. The local word is ritipanna and the crossbar is the petta. It is reported to have begun during the Second World War, when food shortages pushed fishermen to look for new spots.
Real fishing happens very early in the morning or around dusk and catches small fish such as sardines and mackerel. The practice is declining; one recent estimate puts about 150 stilt fishermen left across the coast, and fishermen say catches have fallen since the 2004 tsunami.
What most visitors meet is different. Along the roadside at Koggala, Ahangama and Weligama, men sit on stilts to be photographed and ask for money. Several writers describe it as largely staged, and some real fishermen rent out their stilts to posers.
Worth your attention
Real fishing at dawn
Before about 8 am, men fishing alone without an audience. Quiet, patient, and usually not looking at you.
The rod and crossbar
A rod used with one hand while balancing on a crossbar bound to a pole.
Staged poses
Groups of men on stilts by the road, with cameras and a price waiting. Treat it as a paid photo, not an observation.
The sea itself
Often the best part: pale light and surf at first or last light, with or without the fishermen.
Before you go
Do this
- Agree a price before taking out your camera, and pay what you agreed.
- Go at dawn if you want to see men actually fishing.
- Ask your driver where the genuine fishing is, not where they get commission.
- Keep your distance and do not step into their working water.
- Bring small notes; change is usually unavailable.
Know this first
- Much of it is staged, and the pose is paid for like any other photo.
- Some drivers and guides take commission for taking tourists to particular spots.
- Prices rise at sunset and with how eager you look; one report quotes LKR 500.
- Impostors posing as fishermen are said to reduce earnings for the genuine ones, so spend consciously.
Getting to Stilt fishermen of the south coast
Most people see Stilt fishermen of the south coast as part of a stay around Galle. Our Galle guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby. It is also listed in our Ahangama guide, Weligama guide.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Galle — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Galle guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Stilt fishermen of the south coast — frequently asked
What is stilt fishing in Sri Lanka?
A method where a fisherman sits on a crossbar fixed to a pole in shallow surf and fishes with a rod. It is reported to date from the Second World War.
Is stilt fishing still real?
It exists, but mostly as paid photo poses now. Real fishing happens at dawn and dusk, and numbers are small; one estimate says about 150 remain.
How much do stilt fishermen charge?
Reports from travellers mention around LKR 500, with prices varying by place and time. Agree the price first.
Where can you see them?
Along the south coast near Koggala, Ahangama and Weligama, though locations vary.
Also worth stopping for around Galle
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