Full moon in Sri Lanka means two things. You can’t  buy alcohol and the wind will stop… The first one is true as it is a public holiday or poya day. I think the second one is anecdotal and coincidental. I can’t see any scientific reason that the moon could have such a significant effect on the wind here, where it barely has any effect on the water. However stop, the wind did, giving further confirmatory evidence to the believers.

Cathy just chilled while I dug out the fishing gear.

For those not interested in fishing I apologise, this may be a bit boring and I’d recommend skipping through the pictures only. If you’re a fisherman read on.

Kappalady is surrounded by the Lacadive ocean which looks to be brimming with fish but the shore break was too much for my little spinning outfit that always travels with me. I tried the main kite lagoon to no avail but on a tip off from Naleem and Chamra I thought I’d give the freshwater lagoon  a try.

Access was tricky as the lake is surrounded by bushes and palm trees which lead me to worring about snakes and crocs. Within ten minutes I had seen my first snake, silently swimming towards me. Only a tiny water snake but in the fading light it was enough to fuel my concerns further. As I was making my twentieth final cast I saw something long, silver and fast chase my lure. Quickly I cast again to the same area and received another chase but no connection… For me that was more than enough to inspire a return visit.

The next afternoon saw me back at the lake. I found a lovely access point atop a large sand dune just next to where the fish were chasing the day before.

I selected a reliable white and pink grub and cast out. My second cast was immediately intercepted by an aggressive strike, The rod doubled over into a fierce fighting arc but still the fish was taking line.  I turned the fish but then disaster struck. As it turned the line was severed with a clean cut. Frustrating but exciting as that was a big fish.

New lure attached and I was back in the game and quickly hooked into a silver torpedo, not with the same power as the first fish but its speed and explosive jumps made up for it. I could barely believe it a fish I often chase in Holbox, was also present in this lagoon. A tarpon was soon on the bank. Not a big one but a start.

 

Next day I awoke really early with dreams of what the big fish could’ve been. No wind again. Off I went for a day break session.

I returned to my dune, if it isn’t broke don’t fix it as they say. I was busy throwing a Rapala X-Rap in silver and red when I received an almighty take. The rod doubled exactly as it had the day before and the reel started to scream. Adrenalin rushes before breakfast are hard to find but this one woke me up well and truly. The fish was clearly in no mood for stopping and headed straight for the far bank. The rod I was using though small has some back bone to it and my reel was loaded with 20lb fireline so I was surprised I couldn’t stop the fish. I eventually managed to turn the fish and gain some line only for this to repeat itself three times. Eventually I caught a glimpse of the scales shining bronze through the water. It was big and not a tarpon… Barramundi hadn’t crossed my mind until I saw it shape. A fish on my wish list since I visited Thailand in 20I2 .

Some last minute runs under the overhanging spikey cactus tree worried me but eventually she rolled over and up the bank she came. A 25lb specimen Barramundi, my first and much bigger than I was hoping for.

 

The guys at the camp couldn’t believe it when they saw it, Mawfeer got particularly excited.Apparantly the most desired fish to eat in Sri Lanka.  A barbecue was planned, no need for Nilanka to go to the market to buy food today.

After lunch I went back down to the lake just to explore and enjoy the tranquillity. I found another little access point and was quickly blessed with another baby tarpon about the same size as the other.

Casting around I saw a flat spot near the lakeside that looked like a fish had just moved. I cast past it and jerked the x-rap back along the drop. I was treated to seeing another huge barramundi drift up below my lure and engulf it literally 6 feet from where I was standing.

The fight was just as violent as the one from the morning, lasting a good ten minutes. The spot was more open and with less bankside cover, there was less drama bringing it to shore.

Another Barramundi of similar size to the first lay gleaming on the bank. Having already taken more than sufficient to feed everyone I released this one back into the lagoon. This was much to the disgust of all the locals at the camp.

What an amazing few days of fishing. Barramundi are one of the tastiest fish I’ve eaten and the first one fed twelve of us with leftovers. They are also without a doubt one of the most powerful fish I’ve managed to catch. Not as fast as a tarpon or bone fish but persistent and forceful. Hopefully I’ll get another chance at one soon.

Coming soon..

Temples, Monkeys and old ruins.