How to Find Fishing Jobs in Alaska

Before you buy a plane ticket and head off to find a fishing job in Alaska, you'll want to have more information than the rumor that such jobs are easy to come by, as this is not always the case. Here is how you can (perhaps) find a fishing job in Alaska--if you're brave!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gumption

1. Research the job thoroughly in order to make sure it is really for you before you spend a lot of money on a plane ticket to Alaska. You will have to spend quite a bit on your own equipment, and the job is notoriously dangerous. There are also not quite as many openings available as people generally indicate, so be willing to engage in a strenuous job search as well. Keep in mind that people with experience in the fishing industry are first in line to be on an Alaskan fishing crew.

2. The most common way that people find fishing jobs in Alaska is by word of mouth. Hanging out with the people in the area you want to work is the best way to get on the grapevine and find out where the fishing jobs are. The jobs come open during the harvest season, so you are not going to have much luck if you are looking for fishing work in Alaska during other times of the year. Harvest season in Alaska is June through August for salmon, but is in the fall and winter for crab. The harvesting season depends entirely on what type of catch is being harvested. You will want to get in on the action at the beginning of the harvest season if possible, although there will always be positions available to replace crew members who have been injured or who simply aren't up for this sort of work.

3. 
    
   Fishing in Alaska

   Once you get a lead on a job, you will want to walk the docks and speak to the captain. Actually, you can walk the docks and ask to speak to captains without a lead, but it'll be easier and faster if you have some information to go on first.

4. If you are more conservative, you may want to get some leads on jobs and speak to some captains before you ever leave the lower 48. The advantage to this is you will have more of an idea what you are getting into. Since there are many different types of boats and harvests, the work can vary widely. If you have a wide network of acquaintances, this may be the way to go.

5. Another option is contacting Alaska's Department of Labor and speaking to a Seafood Employment Specialist. There is an application online, and recruitment links. You will also want to call the Anchorage Seafood Unit at 907-269-4775 if you are thinking of traveling in order to apply for jobs. The seafood recruiting division also holds job fairs from time to time. Click on the link in the "resources" section to get updated information.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to work on the fishing boats in Alaska, you must be a citizen of the United States.
• Never pay money for information you can get for free from the Alaska Department of Labor.
• Be aware that you must be very physically strong and have a lot of stamina in order to be successful at an Alaskan fishing job.

Resources

• State of Alaska Seafood Employment Specialist

[smoot27ryan]

on 1/14/2010 great article... read it, rated it, and recommended you!!!

[penair]

on 8/12/2009 Great info! For flight information to some of the best commercial fishing destinations in Southwest Alaska contact us at www.penair.com or 1-800-448-4226. Also, check out our facebook fan page at http://tinyurl.com/pl9s55 for pictures and the latest news. Got pictures of your trip??? You can post them as well.

[tnpos]

on 7/8/2009 Thank you for the info! If I ever get to Alaska I will look this up! 5 and rec! P.E.A.C.E

[mrharvey]

on 3/21/2009 Very informative. :) Thanks for sharing.

[Barry331]

on 1/22/2009 Very useful and Informative article-5 Stars!