Fishing is a sacred ritual for a sizeable portion of the world’s male population; it is also a vital mainstay for villagers living along the island’s 1,340km coastal belt. While for most, fishing is a necessity and a way of life, for enthusiasts the lure of escaping the daily grind and catching their “fish of a lifetime” keeps anglers coming back again and again.

With its extensive coastline, numerous reservoirs and abundance of lakes, Sri Lanka is an excellent location to enjoy the exciting sport of fishing, both inland and out in the deep blue of the Indian Ocean. Inland fishing can be arranged yearround due to the relatively smooth flow of water on inland waterways and reservoirs located around Sri Lanka. However, as with all sea-based activities, deep sea fishing in Sri Lanka is seasonal, with the western and southern coasts accessible only from November to April, and the east coast more suitable for the activity between May and September.

But what are you likely to catch? In the deep sea, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Great Trevally and Queenfish are often spotted close to shore whilst Sailfish, Blue or Black Marlin, Tuna and Wahoo might be hooked in deeper waters beyond the continental shelf. Inland, you might yield catches of Barramundi, Mangrove Jack and Bull-eyed Mackerel whilst smaller Trevally and Barracuda could be caught depending on the salinity levels of inland lakes.Fishing vessels are typically basic fiber glass boats fitted with out-board engines.