Stilt fishing is one of the most iconic and visually striking traditional fishing methods in Sri Lanka, seen mostly along the southern coast.

Fishermen sit perched on a single wooden pole (stilt) fixed into the shallow sea floor, just a few meters from the shoreline. From this elevated position, they cast their lines into the water, patiently waiting to catch small fish such as mackerel and spotted herring.

Stilt fishing is believed to have originated during World War II, when food shortages forced locals to invent new fishing methods. It has since become a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness among coastal communities.