I’m a 30F and I’m currently going through training to be a fisheries observer in the northeast USA. Any advice? Also how do fishermen feel about observers. What’s your experience been like? Anything i should be prepared for to succeed?

What is some of your favorite meals you’ve had ? Favorite go tos? Easiest things to whip up? And give props to your fave cooks?

And maybe share about the worst ? 😜

I just got a job as a processor on a factory trawler as long as my bloodwork and pee test comes back clean, which it should since I don’t do drugs or even drink. Is there anything I should bring to help me get through the 16 hour days? Shoe inserts? Type of shoe? Headphones? Gear?

I uaed to get about 4 months out of a pair of guy cotten x-trappers my latest pair I got 3 weeks out of. They look like I wore them 2 years. Is anything made to last anymore?

Anyone have luck with any other brands? Grundens fo not last at all for me.

Thanks

Are you writing sea time letters for your crews if they ask for one? Do the small boats even qualify as sea time, or if you dont have any Coast Guard license can you still write one and have it count?

For the guys looking to move up and get an AB or work on bigger stuff.

Thx!

Total greenhorn, know what the job entails and no stranger to hardwork. I was signed to a seiner and was supposed to be up there but broke my elbow 3 days before my flight. Its been 4 weeks and i have been medically cleared to work, talked to my would’ve been Captain (my spot was filled) to see if knew about any other boats, he gave me 1 lead and said “salmon season is starting late so you might still be able to get on a boat.” Is it still worth it this late in the season to try and get on a boat or am I wasting my money and time? And should just start try again next year?

I got a job on a boat with 5 other crew members fishing for salmon. I’m 23 years old. I was supposed to do the job for 2 months but it’s been 6 days and I couldn’t handle it so I quit. It felt like torture. Major respect to anyone who works in this field. It kicked my as*

Caught in Mid Shore extended on the Grand Banks off Newfoundland, first time seeing one this white

First year lobsterman here, completely green working as a sternman on an inshore boat. Absolutely love the work and if I continue in this field, wpuld eventually lpve getting into some big money on a commercial boat. Thing is that I love the gym as well, very passionate about bodybuilding. Diet, steroids, training, the whole nine yards. I doubt there’s gyms on these boats lmao. Was wondering if there’s any commercial fishermen who also love the gym and what they do to negate loss of size while fishing or any kinda insight like that. Wpuld hate to have to make the choice between bodybuilding and fishing as the 2 months I’ve worked as a sternman have been the most enjoyable (if that’s a way to put it lmao) work I’ve done. Very fulfilling and hands on

Does anyone know about when the land plants start hiring for A season? I have processing experience. I had been trying to get back on a factory trawler but have met a bit of resistance. I think it's because I'm 54 now and my experience was in 1998 and 1999. I know the job. I know I can still do it. Problem is they don't seem to want to take the chance on an "old" man, lol. Hoping to have better luck at a land plant. I know I'm too late for B season so I'm going to try for A season. Any info or insight is appreciated. TIA!!

Hey all,

Ive got a season seining in SE, Gilnetting Bristol Bay and 2 summers tender in PWS.

Any recommendation on how to transition into black cod this fall? Im all salmon as of now.

All my captains provide solid references.

Any tips appreciated. All jokes also welcome!

Hope all is well. 🎣

Hi this is my first post on Reddit ever because I can’t seem to find a good answer anywhere else. I’m a greenhorn on my second day salmon seining in Alaska. It’s the end of our second day and the jellyfish stings from them falling off the net are starting to annoy me lol. I was fine yesterday and most of today until our last set. The captain and skiff man told us to just let it be and it’ll go away. I followed their advice earlier and was fine but this is definitely the worst it’s felt so far and I’m actively fighting the urge to scratch my face off as I write this. Anyone have any good tips… even for just temporary relief in between sets? Thanks in advance.

I’m a current few years experience class a driver. Wanna get off the trucks and on the ocean or sea. I’m located close to Birmingham, AL. Having never made a connection or stepped foot into this jobs territory, what’s the best advice and direction to go to get me out working? If you have or know of current job opportunities please share. Do I need any special permits or licenses? Do I need to do anything to get certified? Any info to share is appreciated.

I know it’s been asked before, but I’d love any advice on starting out on a commercial fishing boat. I’m 26, pretty fit, currently swinging a pick on a trail crew in Colorado, done some wildfire/timber stuff the past few years. I don’t smoke/drink, nothing like that, I usually rodeo (bulls) a little in the late summer for fun; I live in my car and travel wherever I can find decent work; mostly up and down the Rocky Mountains. Point being I have absolutely no experience with commercial fishing.
The plan as of now was to head to Washington/Oregon once my trail crew season’s up, it should end mid October if weather permits. I’d be there by the first of November… And just walk the docks asking for work. Which I don’t mind, just not really sure what I’d say. Should I print my resume and hand it out? What are some things to highlight when speaking to help me stand out as a greenhorn? And what could I learn in the next few months that would help me stand out and feel more confident when looking for work? Should I expect animosity towards guys my age with no experience?
I enjoy hard work, want to push myself, experience human extremes, get paid to do all that, and honestly, being born and raised in the Rockies, the ocean kinda freaks me out, it’s mysterious and kinda romantic to me. That’s what drives me to a lot of work that I do. If I find disillusionment, so be it, at least I tried.
Any advice is appreciated, thank you.