How to Secure a Fishing Job in Alaska

Define your goals and plan your schedule accordingly. Are you looking to kickstart a full-blown career, or are you more interested in a temporary, entry-level position to see if it’s the right fit? While Alaska offers thousands of seasonal crew spots in the summer, it's vital to have enough time set aside. Without a solid commitment, landing a job will be difficult.

• Usually, a minimum of two months is required to land an entry-level job. Positions available to beginners are mostly on salmon boats like trollers, gill netters, and purse seiners.
• The salmon season kicks off in May and lasts into the fall. The more flexible your schedule within this time frame, the better your chances of getting hired.

Build strength and endurance. Every role in the Alaskan fishing industry, particularly entry-level positions, demands physical stamina. You’ll find yourself in a tough, high-pressure environment where only those who are already in peak physical condition can thrive. A fishing boat isn’t the place to get fit—it’s where your fitness will be tested to the limit.

• When preparing for a fishing job, the focus should be on developing functional strength. Running ten miles or bench pressing 250 pounds won’t be as useful as having solid core stability and all-around functional strength when working 18-hour shifts on a boat.

Develop mental and emotional resilience. Keep in mind that after an exhausting 18-hour day, your body won’t be the only thing that’s drained—your mind and emotions will also be spent. As shown on popular TV shows about Alaskan fishing, the crew and captain can be especially tough on newcomers. Prepare to handle the stress in a healthy way.

• Everyone has their own way of mentally and emotionally preparing. Find a strategy that suits you.
• Work on cultivating a learning mindset and a thick skin when dealing with criticism.

Evaluate your financial readiness. The old saying holds true: you need money to make money. During your job hunt, you may find it difficult to secure a job in advance before heading to Alaska. Many people must first travel to a fishing hub and search for work in person. Be sure you have enough funds to cover housing and basic expenses if you choose this path.

• Even if you don’t go to Alaska without a job, the process of job searching could prevent you from taking a local job. This could leave you with no job at all during the summer. Don’t risk everything unless you can afford the potential fallout.

Identify potential employers. Searching for work in the Alaskan fishing industry is unlike most traditional job hunts. Since many boats operate independently, captains—rather than HR departments—are usually responsible for hiring. Opportunities are rarely advertised online, with much of the recruitment happening face-to-face or through word of mouth.

• Some positions may appear on Alaska Job Finder, where jobs are occasionally posted online.
• Alaskan Leader Fisheries also offers job listings and a formal application process for aspiring workers.
• Another helpful site for job seekers is the Alaska Fishing Jobs Network, which offers valuable resources and guidance.

Reach out to the employers you’ve identified. While this may sound straightforward, it’s not always that simple. Many potential employers may not even have email addresses and instead rely on older methods like phones and fax machines.

• If you don’t have access to a fax machine, you can send a fax online.
• Take time zone differences into account when calling. Alaska is primarily in UTC -09:00, which is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind Eastern Time. The Western Aleutian Islands are one hour further behind.

Ask the employers you reach out to for additional leads and referrals. Many employers may already have full crews or may not be interested in hiring a beginner. However, the Alaskan fishing industry often operates through word of mouth and referrals, with many jobs never advertised publicly. A captain with a full crew might know another captain in desperate need of a deckhand. If you’ve built a good rapport with someone who doesn’t have an opening, don’t hesitate to ask if they can refer you to someone who might.

Consider traveling to Alaska to search for work in person. Locations like Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Naknek are excellent places for newcomers to begin their fishing careers, though there are many other hubs. Since many positions are never listed online, some job seekers find that going to an Alaskan fishing hub in person is the best option. This gives you the chance to meet boat captains directly and inquire about job openings. If you’re unable to secure a deckhand position, seafood processing plants often provide a solid alternative, offering competitive wages and serving as a stepping stone into the fishing industry.