Game Fishing
Not a lot of serious sports-fishermen associate big game fishing with Sri Lanka. When you ask these salty souls where the best game fishing is to be had, they will undoubtedly mention the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. They may well even tell you that the South African Cape or parts of the Australian coast are prime fishing grounds; but they absolutely never ever mention the name Sri Lanka. Why is that? Well for one, the available tourist facilities on
this island "for this particular pastime are pretty much undeveloped and, secondly, what facilities that are available are certainly not advertised. I can generally understand this. There is no point providing a service if there is no demand. Though, surely, with an undisputed abundance of game fish around the shores of the land and a little effort in the form of a campaign by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board, this is a sport that can be-nurtured with due environmental consideration - into a serious attraction with potentially large tourist revenue.
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| Source: http://www.malubanna.com/ |
That aside, how do you go about catching the big one in Sri Lanka? Well, that all depends on where you are on the island and the season.. At the moment it is a simple case of asking around and gathering local knowledge. After all, who better to ask than the local fishermen themselves? It is their livelihood and they know the waters and the fishing grounds like the back of their hands. But if you can't find a fisherman, ask just about anybody, for you will eventually be pointed in the right direction.
Alternatively, larger hotels at popular resorts will also have this knowledge and if you ask the manager personally, he will often put a fishing trip together for you. However, be aware that some managers may be a little reticent in providing details as, more often than not, they themselves don't know what you will be getting for your money and most are fully aware that the local facilities will not be anywhere near the luxury class of Key Largo.
The process of putting together a trip will nearly always involve your guide- usually the boat owner acquiring rods and tackle from various local fishermen and then buying bait and ice from the local port or fish-market. It is then a case of being transported to the water's edge, wading into the sea to clamber aboard a slender catamaran, and then being rowed out to the moored fishing boat, where a little nimbleness is required to board the vessel. You are now almost ready for your adventure if you didn't think you were on one already while the boat is heading towards the supposed mother lode you will have plenty of time to rig your rod, attach the bait and practice your technique for what it is worth. I say for what it is worth, because frankly there isn't much skill required in hanging your line over the side of the boat whilst it is moving. This particular technique of fishing is called trolling and is by far the most popular and easiest method of catching a fish. I'm not saying you are guaranteed a catch, but out of all the fishing trips I've been on; ^haven't yet failed to hook a monster. Really!
So what can you expect to catch? Well, to be perfectly honest, absolutely everything! Shark, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, barramundi, barracuda, sailfish, swordfish, king fish, giant trevally, jack and tuna to name just the big ones. You really won't be disappointed, and, if you are observant, or lucky, or both, then you may also spot breaching whales and a few small schools of dolphins, especially if you are out down south near the Great Basses, which is a few miles off the coast of Yala National Park. The best time of the year to go fishing on the west and south-west coasts is from October to March when the seas are generally calm. The east coast is best visited from May to July. Of course, you should always get advice and local information on the prevailing weather conditions before heading out to sea.
You will need some essential items to take on your trip: a rod and tackle (most operators can only provide very old and worn equipment), a wide brimmed hat, good gripping shoes and copious amounts of water and sun block. Wearing shorts % not advised as the beating sun will burn your thighs,;
Good trips are to be had from Negombo, Beruwela and Weligama on the west and southwest coasts but be warned they can sometimes be hit-and-miss affairs. For guaranteed organization, contact the Ceylon Sea Anglers Club. Founded in 1934, this group of enthusiasts has their very own club house and lodgings in the north-east at China Bay, Trincomalee.
Enthusiasts they must be indeed, for this club has survived and sustained itself through the country's long period of conflict. The club seems to have come through the worst of it now, and is once again organizing regular 'trolling' competitions. Andrew Christoffelsz, the Honorary Secretary of the CSAC, tells me that the club at Clappenberg, China Bay (a former base of the Fleet Air Arm of the British Royal Navy) has more than 400 members including foreign diplomats, eminent artistes and business leaders. So fear not, for you will be in distinguished company.
The main catches to be had in the extremely deep China Bay are giant trevally, kingfish, barracuda, and barramundi. The CSAC offers basic but gradually improving accommodation for guests. This is a commendable effort considering the war-torn state the club was in prior to the ceasefire. It must be added that even today, Trinco harbor remains a security zone and there are still some no-go areas, but don't let that put you off. Other facilities at the club include a bar and a restaurant serving Sri Lankan cuisine. I'm told that people come from miles around for the signature dish of crab curry. Boats and tackle can be easily hired, but as previously mentioned, the tackle is not in the best condition, so you would be better off bringing your own. Bookings for accommodation should be made through Confifi Management Services (T: +94 11 233 3320). Just ask for the reservations desk and they will take your booking for the China Bay fishing lodge.
Finally, for a well-organized trip from Colombo, contact Himaz Dhulid the travel coordinator at the Colombo Hilton (T: +9411 254 4644). If so requested, Himaz can put together a package, even If you aren't resident in the hotel. This will Include local expertise, all the equipment you need, transport to and from the boat and a refreshing hamper for your trip. Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that if you do have a catch, they will gladly cook it for you in the Echelon Bar on your return. Bon Appetit.