Fishing provides one of Sri Lanka’s most enduring images
– even if it is difficult to tell these days whether
the famous stilt fishermen of Weligama are more interested
in catching fish or tourists. But Sri Lanka’s fishing
heritage runs much deeper than the traditional craft of the
stilt fishermen and is the lifeblood of coastal communities
all around the island.
Sport fishing in Sri Lanka is relatively undeveloped, but
1,140 miles of shoreline and warm Indian Ocean currents ensure
there is a plethora of fish in the sea, estuaries, mangrove
lagoons and rivers. Red Dot works with selected fishing specialists
and is able to offer deep sea fishing (trolling), bottom fishing
and fly-fishing.
Fishing in Sri Lanka is regulated by the two annual monsoons
that feed this tropical isle. The west and south coasts are
favored during north-east monsoon period from November to
April when the sea is blue and calm, while the east coast
is at its best during the south-west monsoon period from May
to September.
Sri Lanka is home to 90 species of freshwater fish and 21
species of crabs. Yet these are just the ones that have been
identified -- it's likely that far more exist. Twenty-six
species of fish live only in South-west Rivers and streams.
Most of these fish are small and highly specialised to their
habitat. Many rare species live in this region.
Red Dot can provide a specialist fishing guide who will help
you gain maximum satisfaction from a fishing holiday –
whether serious or lighthearted. And, if you don’t want
a full-on fishing holiday but fancy adding a day or two to
your holiday itinerary we’d be delighted to help.
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