• A precarious art in the monsoon season

In the heart of Koggala, where the tranquil waters of Koggala lake meet the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean, lies a tradition as old as the land itself – stilt fishing. It’s a practice that has withstood the test of time, adapting to changing seasons, tastes, and the ebb and flow of life itself.

Meet Loku Thaththa, the head fisherman, and a guardian of this ancient art. With the wisdom of years etched onto his weathered face, he shared the nuances of stilt fishing during the monsoon season, a time when nature’s unpredictability tests even the most resilient of souls.

Guiding us through the coral ridden beach, Loku Thaththa explained: “In the monsoon, the seas can be unforgiving, and the fish less abundant. Yet, we persevere, casting our rods at dawn, dusk, and even under the starry night sky. It’s not just about sustenance, it’s about preserving a tradition that defines our identity.”

In an age where tourism has become a lifeline for the fishermen of Koggala, Loku Thaththa’s eyes light up when he speaks of the visitors who come to witness their art. “The tourists,” he said with a smile, “they bring more than just their cameras; they bring an appreciation for our way of life. They allow us to share our story, one click at a time.”

For a small fee, these travellers are invited to climb onto the stilts and capture a piece of history. Loku Thaththa himself, along with his apprentices, takes to the waters, strikes a pose that resonates with the essence of Koggala. “Chinese tourists,” he chuckled, “they are the best. They have a massive photo culture, and they appreciate what we do. They pay well, and they take many pictures.”

However, Loku Thaththa’s hopes extend beyond the lenses of his visitors’ cameras. He yearns for a steady growth in tourism, one that ensures the continuity of stilt fishing for generations to come. “We hope the tourism authorities are correct,” he said, commenting on our recent milestone of hitting a million tourists this year, “and that more people will come soon. It’s been steady but slow. We want to share our art with the world.”

With a weathered face, eyes that have seen countless sunrises and sunsets over the Indian Ocean, Loku Thaththa, speaks of stilt fishing with the authority of someone deeply connected to the sea.

He begins: “Stilt fishing, it’s not just about catching fish; it’s a way of life, a tradition handed down through generations.”

Loku Thaththa’s voice carries the weight of years of experience as he describes the process with an unmistakable passion:

Crafting the stilts: “First, we craft the stilts, strong and unyielding. They are our lifelines, anchored deep into the ocean floor. It takes skill and craftsmanship to ensure they can withstand the ocean’s temperamental moods.”

Balancing act: “Next comes the balancing act. We perch ourselves on the crossbar, a few feet above the water. The stilts sway gently with the waves, and it’s our job to keep our balance. It’s not as easy as it looks; it takes years of practice.”

Our trusty rods: “In our hands, we hold our trusty fishing rods, just like our forefathers did. The line is held by hand, and the hook dangles below the surface, a silent invitation to the passing fish.”

The waiting game: “Now, we wait. We wait for the fish to come to us, usually during high tide when they swim closer to the shore. It’s a game of patience, watching the water’s surface for any signs of movement.”

The catch: “When a fish takes the bait, we spring into action. With a swift and practised movement, we pull the catch out of the water. It’s a delicate dance between man and nature, a moment of triumph.”

Repeat, time and again: “We repeat this process multiple times, throughout the day – in the morning, evening, and sometimes even under the cover of night. We follow the rhythm of the tides, for that’s when the fish are most active.”

As Loku Thaththa shares his wisdom, it becomes clear that stilt fishing is not just a means of putting food on the table; it’s a deep-rooted connection to the sea and to the history of Koggala. It’s a skill that has been passed down through generations, and Loku Thaththa is determined to ensure that it endures.



With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he concludes: “This tradition, it’s part of who we are. We hope more people will come to witness it, to appreciate the artistry of stilt fishing, and to help us preserve our way of life.”

As he stands tall on his stilt, Loku Thaththa imparts the secrets of the craft. He explained how the rods are firmly implanted into the ground, how the balance is maintained, and how patience becomes a fisherman’s closest companion. His words paint a vivid picture of resilience and dedication, transcending the simple act of catching fish.

Loku Thaththa’s life has been intertwined with the rhythm of the sea for many decades, and he carries the legacy of his forefathers with pride. With every tourist’s smile and every camera click, he ensures that the art of stilt fishing in Koggala continues to thrive, a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who call this coastal haven home.