Are you seeking Alaska fishing employment?
There are thousands of fishing jobs available throughout the year in the Alaska commercial fishing industry. This job offers great pay and excitement for those seeking adventure.
Fishing boat Captains are in constant need of able people ready to work on their vessels, and there is room for “greenhorns” to work as deckhands. Deckhands help on deck to bait traps, sort fish and reel in nets among many other duties. If you have the physical and mental toughness, and if you are persistent, you can get one of the lucrative fishing jobs in Alaska.
How can you get Alaska fishing employment?
Previous fishing experience is preferred of course. However, if you have any experience on boats that is a big plus. Captains are also more likely to hire someone who has fish processing experience over someone who does not, so you might want to get a job at a cannery first. In any case, when a Captain is shorthanded and must go fishing again, he will be willing to take just about anyone he feels can handle the job even if that person does not have previous experience.
Being in the right place at the right time is important. One of the most common ways to find a fishing job is to “walk the docks” in Alaska or to do so at Seattle Washington’s Fisherman’s Terminal where many Alaska fishing vessels take a break between seasons.
Talk to as many fishermen and Captains as you can. Frequenting bars and fisherman stores has also proved fruitful. Another tactic is to offer to work on a conditional basis. Work for a couple of days for free. If the Captain doesn’t like your work he doesn’t pay. On the other hand, if he finds you work well then you’ll get the job.
Fishing in Alaska offers exciting experiences and financial rewards. It can be difficult with the long hours and oftentimes extremely cold working conditions, but the payoff can far outweigh the difficult factors.