Falling hook, line, and sinker for Alaskan fishing

Gap years are becoming increasingly popular with those aged anywhere from 18 to 32 years old. It’s not just a year between school and university, when uncertain teenagers, on the brink of adulthood, take time off to travel and experience different cultures. Many young people take gap years after university, before entering the work world, as a final fling, away from responsibility and the prospect of paying tax. Gap years are also on the rise among those experiencing career crises, who are disillusioned with their current jobs, and take time off before settling into something new. One of the more interesting and dynamic gap year options is to head off to Alaska to be a part of the lucrative fishing industry.

Gap year opportunities in Alaska are relatively rare. But non-residents take 57% of the jobs in the fishing industry, so your chances of a successful application are good. Why Alaska? Why fishing? Alaska doesn’t sound like the most exotic destination in the world, and it has a well deserved reputation for being ice cold. It’s within stones’ throw of the North Pole, after all. Fishing isn’t a particularly appealing job option either. Long hours on rough seas, the unmistakable smell of fish seeping into your pores. There is, however, a lot going for this unusual choice.

The money is very good, especially if you’re fortunate enough to be placed on a crab-fishing vessel. Your board and lodging is paid for, which means more money in your pocket. Spring and summer jobs are available for those who don’t like the cold. The industry isn’t limited to fishing trawlers, as there are also positions onshore involving processing and packaging, as well as a variety of support jobs.

When entering the industry, it’s easier to make the processing side your first port of call. Processing is done both onshore and offshore. Offshore processing takes place on floating processors, which are usually anchored in a specific area for some time. Summer is the most lucrative season. There are also catcher/processor vessels that harvest fish, and process them. They float around the fishing grounds, tracking the shoals. Workers are paid hourly, with overtime and bonus incentives that can result in earnings of $800 - $1000 per week.

Working as a deckhand or harvester is far more lucrative. Deckhands usually get a percentage of the boat’s catch – a crew share. It’s possible to earn in excess of $20,000 in less than a month. Tasks include net repair, wheel watching, net hauling and rigging. Harvesting takes place during autumn, winter, and spring, with the most lucrative season being from late January to April. It’s possible to work as a deckhand in summer as well, with positions being most abundant on Salmon trawlers.

A typical day on a trawler lasts between eighteen and twenty hours, allows crew four or five hours of sleep, and then starts again. The most important rule is: never complain! Jobs on harvesters are sought after, so if you should be lucky enough to get one, show your appreciation with dedication and hard work. It’s what’s expected. As part of the crew, you are an integral part of a team, and it’s important to do your share of the work so that the ship can continue to run smoothly. Punctuality is also vital. Sleep is precious on a trawler; unnecessary dawdling can deprive other members of sleep, which can put lives in danger.

Working in the Alaskan fishing industry can provide many varied and unique challenges that, once successfully completed, can improve self-confidence. Physical and mental challenges, competently overcome, prove your stamina and endurance, as well as your ability to think on your feet. There are risks and dangers involved, and occasionally fishermen lose their lives at sea. But you could choke on your morning toast while rushing out to work. Life is full of hidden dangers: why not take some head on?

Recommended sites:

http://www.alaskajobfinder.com/jobSeekers/

http://www.alaska-summer-jobs.com/deckhand_jobs.htm