The Call of the Sea: Inside the Life of a Commercial Fisherman

There’s something timeless—and a little romantic—about the idea of working on the open water. The salt air, the challenge, the sense of adventure—it’s not your typical 9-to-5. For those drawn to life off the land, becoming a commercial fisherman offers a unique blend of hard work, independence, and reward. It’s not easy, but for the right person, it’s deeply satisfying.

This post dives into what it really means to work in commercial fishing, the types of jobs available, how to get started, and who’s best suited to thrive in this gritty, exhilarating trade.

What Does a Commercial Fisherman Actually Do?

Let’s get one thing straight: “commercial fisherman” isn’t just one job. It’s an umbrella term that covers a range of roles—all essential to getting seafood from the sea to your dinner plate.

Here are a few of the main jobs in this space:

• Deckhands: The backbone of the boat crew. They handle nets, lines, and traps, clean fish, and keep the deck in working order. It’s demanding, physical work, but also a great entry point into the industry.

• Skippers or Captains: The leaders who operate and navigate the boat, manage the crew, and decide where and when to fish. Most captains started as deckhands and worked their way up.

• Net Makers and Gear Technicians: These specialists repair and maintain the equipment—nets, lines, winches, and hydraulic systems. Without them, no boat would last long at sea.

• Fish Processors: Once the catch is landed, processors clean, sort, and package the seafood for market or export. Many processing jobs are onshore, ideal for those who want to be in the industry without going out on boats.

• Marine Engineers: For larger vessels, engineers handle engines, generators, and onboard machinery. This role requires technical training and mechanical know-how.

Depending on where you work, fishing could mean anything from harvesting lobsters off Maine to catching salmon in Alaska or shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico.

Why Choose a Career in Commercial Fishing?

Commercial fishing isn’t for everyone—but it’s incredibly rewarding for those who love the water and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Here are a few reasons people are drawn to this field:

1. Adventure and Variety: Every day is different. Weather shifts, fishing spots move, and no two catches are alike.

2. Connection to Nature: You’re not stuck in an office—you’re working outdoors, in direct rhythm with the sea.

3. Good Pay for Hard Work: Some fishing seasons can be very lucrative, especially for high-demand species like crab, tuna, or salmon.

4. Teamwork and Camaraderie: Life on a boat creates strong bonds. Your crew becomes a second family.

5. Pathways to Independence: Many deckhands eventually buy their own boats or manage operations. It’s one of the few trades where you can literally steer your own ship—pun intended.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the work can be tough and unpredictable. Long hours, physical labor, and exposure to the elements come with the territory. But for many, that’s part of the thrill.

Training and Education: How to Become a Commercial Fisherman

One of the appealing aspects of this trade is that you don’t necessarily need a college degree to get started. But you do need skills, safety knowledge, and sea time.

Here’s how most people break into the field:

1. Start as a Deckhand: Many new fishermen start at the bottom—learning the ropes (literally) by working under experienced crews.

2. Get Basic Certifications:

   • CPR and First Aid (required on most boats)

   • Basic Safety Training (also known as STCW for those who plan to work offshore)

   • Survival at Sea and Firefighting courses offered by maritime training schools

3. Specialized Training (Optional but Helpful):

   • Navigation and Seamanship Courses for those aiming to become captains

   • Marine Engineering or Diesel Mechanics for engine room roles

   • Fish Processing or Quality Control Training for shore-based positions

4. Gain Experience: The more time you spend at sea, the better your skills and pay. Many captains look for reliable, hard-working crew members over formal credentials.

If you’re serious about entering the industry, maritime academies, community colleges, and state fisheries departments often offer relevant courses. Some coastal states even have apprenticeship programs connecting trainees with licensed captains.

The Type of Person Who Thrives in This Trade

Commercial fishing isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. It takes a certain kind of person to enjoy (and succeed in) this career.

You might be a good fit if you:

• Love the outdoors and aren’t bothered by getting wet, dirty, or cold.

• Have stamina and grit—hauling nets or traps for hours takes endurance.

• Can handle unpredictable schedules, since fishing seasons depend on species and weather.

• Work well in small teams and handle tight quarters without drama.

• Are mechanically minded—boats break, and quick problem-solving is essential.

• Stay calm under pressure, especially in tough conditions.

On the flip side, if you need structure, predictability, or creature comforts, this may not be your ideal trade. But for the adventurous, resilient, and resourceful, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there.

Where Are the Jobs? Fishing Hotspots in the U.S.

If you’re thinking of becoming a commercial fisherman, where you live matters. Some regions are world-famous for their fisheries and seafood industries.

Here are some of the top U.S. fishing hubs:

• Alaska: The gold standard for commercial fishing. Salmon, halibut, and crab dominate here. Many seasonal jobs are available during peak months, often with good pay and benefits.

• Pacific Northwest (Washington & Oregon): Known for groundfish, Dungeness crab, and shellfish. Ports like Astoria and Seattle are key fishing centers.

• New England (Maine to Massachusetts): Lobsters, scallops, and cod are the main catch. Maine, in particular, has a long fishing tradition and offers plenty of opportunities for small-boat operators.

• Gulf of Mexico (Texas to Florida): A hotspot for shrimping, tuna, and reef fish. Warm weather means longer fishing seasons.

• California: From anchovies to swordfish, the Golden State has a mix of coastal and deep-sea fishing operations.

• Hawaii: Tuna and other pelagic species are the stars here, with Honolulu serving as a major Pacific fishing hub.

These regions also tend to have training schools, maritime supply companies, and established networks—making it easier to get your foot in the door.

Life at Sea: What to Expect on the Job

No sugarcoating here—life on a fishing boat is intense. Days often start before sunrise, and you might work 12 to 18 hours straight during peak seasons. But it’s also deeply rewarding in ways few jobs can match.

You’ll experience:

• Teamwork like no other. Everyone relies on everyone else—trust and cooperation are survival tools.

• Physical fitness. It’s a full-body workout every day, from hauling gear to sorting fish.

• Spectacular views. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunrise over open water or seeing whales breach alongside your boat.

• Periods of downtime. Between trips, there’s time to rest, repair equipment, and enjoy port life.

Many fishermen say the lifestyle becomes addictive—the rhythm of the sea, the satisfaction of a good catch, and the pride of hard-earned paychecks.

The Future of the Trade

With rising global demand for seafood and advances in sustainable fishing practices, the industry continues to evolve. Commercial fishermen today often use high-tech tools like sonar, GPS mapping, and catch tracking systems to stay efficient and eco-conscious.

There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability. Fisheries management and quota systems now aim to balance economic opportunity with environmental protection—making this a forward-thinking trade for those who care about the planet as much as profit.

If you’re tech-savvy, environmentally aware, and enjoy hands-on work, this is a great time to get involved.

The Allure of the Ocean: Why It’s Worth It

For those who answer the call of the sea, commercial fishing isn’t just a job—it’s an identity. It teaches resilience, teamwork, and respect for nature. The days are long, the conditions unpredictable, but the rewards—both financial and personal—run deep.

If you crave adventure, value hard work, and want to be part of one of humanity’s oldest and most essential trades, this could be the path for you. Pack your sea boots, brace for the elements, and get ready for the ride of your life.