Wild Alaska Salmon Fishing Setnet Site Crew Member

Overview

I have openings for 2 crew members at my commercial salmon fishing setnet site in Uganik Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska, from approximately mid-July to mid September (dates may be slightly flexible). Catch wild, sustainable salmon with lifelong fisherman, Adelia Myrick. Crew will fish together out of small aluminum skiffs, picking salmon by hand – thousands of pounds a day (it’s very hard work!) out of nets in the ocean attached to shore. We are based in a remote little uninsulated plywood cabin on the beach, totally off the grid with no roads or connection to any town or village. Fishing starts at 6 am and ends around 10 pm or whenever the net is clean, all based on how the fish are running, weather and ocean conditions, and tides. Sleep deprivation can be a factor, so if you require 8 hours of sleep to be pleasant to be around, don’t apply. It can be tiring, monotonous, dirty, uncomfortable work, with kelp making things slippery and jellyfish to watch out for – positive attitudes toward hard work are valued. Often we use a pressure washer to clean the nets. Crew will work together with Adelia on all aspects of fishing, cleaning and maintaining the boat and camp, repairing and building nets, cooking, and all sorts of camp chores. There are very limited breaks and no set schedule for it- and in the peak of the season, we should expect to be fishing nonstop for more than a whole month with no days off. Adelia and the community of fishermen around love what they do, but it is not for everyone. Successful candidates should relish the challenge of deeply physical hard work and being outside surrounded by a beautiful ever-changing wild landscape, and know that they can thrive with just a couple of other people for company. If the fishing allows, there may be a few beach bonfire gatherings with neighboring camps and potluck style dinners, but most entertainment comes from things like hiking the mountain if time and energy allow, devising delicious meals, and reading/writing, watching the marine environment unfold in front of you. Crew need to be not only able to work really hard but also able to entertain themselves in case of slow fishing. For this reason couples and friends and siblings are encouraged to apply. No smoking or drugs, please. Crew are responsible for transportation to and from the town of Kodiak at the beginning and end of the season. Crew are also responsible for purchasing own commercial crew member licenses, boots, raingear, and gloves (which I will send a detailed list for). I pay for transportation from Kodiak to the setnet site and back at end of season, provide free room and board, safety gear, and pay crew 10% of the gross (minus salmon tax) at completion of the season. Email me at [email protected] if you would like more information or to see photos or if you have questions before applying.

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Crew

Qualifications:

Must be at least 18, mature, physically and mentally very strong, and a great team player. No experience necessary, will train the right person. Please see required skills.

Required Skills:

Crew must be strong with good endurance, physically and mentally fit and agile, athletic and able to work long hard hours of repetitive work with a good attitude. Crew must be quick learners. Endurance more than powerlifting skills are key. The ability to get along well with others, be a team player, and be mature/stable/ with no drama is most important since we live together. Crew must be able to lift at least 75 pounds.

Preferred Skills:

If no previous fishing experience, having one or any of these skills is very helpful but not required:
Any boating/water experience
Knot tying
Athletic experience
Backcountry skills
Ability to see what needs to be done next without having to be told what to do
Cooking from scratch
Cutting/splitting wood for firewood
Small engine mechanical skills
Camp chores/gardening
Medical/first aid
safe use of a chainsaw to cut beach wood for firewood