Snapshot: Stilt Fishing, Sri Lankan style

Drive along the southern coast of this island, and you’ll see strange sticks standing in the water. Visit in the afternoon and chances are you’ll see fishermen casting their poles from these wooden perches. Prime positions are passed down through the family, and not public domain for any fisherman to use. This particular man was fishing alone, and almost lost his hold when a large wave tipped his perch. In the 20 minutes or so that we were there, he caught one tiny white fish…barely big enough for a bite. He’s going to be there a looooooooong time if he’s collecting them for Thanksgiving dinner…!