FISHING 



Thomas's book mentions having followed a huge one for 

 400 yards, but I doubt if this was all in one stretch without 

 any occasional pause. 



Many are the stories the writer could tell of brave 

 fights with this and other lagoon monsters how, for 

 example, an enthusiastic brother angler hooked a " big 'un " 

 at dusk which kept him busy all night ; and how, in the 

 small hours of the morning, the haggard, wearied angler 

 was still holding on to his giant fish, and was shouting 

 for the gaff", as the fish at last showed signs of yielding. 

 I draw a veil over the closing scene. The fish turned out 

 to be a young crocodile. 



Another fine lagoon fish is the " kalaj." I have not 

 been able to identify him. I thought at first he was the 

 same as the Bamin or Paumben salmon, but on referring 

 to Thomas I find he is not. He does not run so large 

 as the koduva, but he is a far finer fighter. Weight for 

 weight, he will play as well as a salmon. He is to be 

 caught in the same way as a koduva, with live bait, natural 

 spinning bait, or spoon. But the strongest tackle and 

 hooks are necessary. 



Lastly, I would mention the " seer." He is properly 

 a sea fish, but comes into creeks and estuaries occasionally. 

 He will take a fly or spoon, is excellent eating, and fights 

 to the last ounce of his strength. But my experience of 

 rod-fishing for these fish is very small. I have only caught 

 two or three on a fly in Galle Harbour. 



I have caught several other kinds of fish, and there 

 are probably many others unknown to me which are well 

 worth catching, but these remarks will show, I hope, that 

 good fishing is to be got in the low country of Ceylon, and 

 I would advise any keen angler about to visit the country 

 to bring a fly and spinning-rod and suitable tackle. 



