How to Become a Commercial Fisherman

Nganguyen on Flickr

The public interest in commercial fishing has exploded with the popularity of televised reality shows documenting the fishing industry. Commercial fishing is a potentially dangerous industry requiring long hours at sea and on deck. It is also a career field in which all the work experience needed comes on a boat. The longer you serve as a fisherman, the better you become, meaning you will gradually get a bigger percentage of the boat's total earnings as you gain experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Try to find a job as a deckhand on a boat, rather than fisherman. This will allow you to observe the responsibilities of the profession and perhaps slowly get involved as you become more familiar with equipment and procedure. This will also allow you to decide if commercial fishing is actually what you want to do.

Step 2

Find out if your state requires a commercial fisherman license. Every state's rules are different. Some states have no requirements, while others may only require licenses of first mates and captains, while some require all fishermen to have licenses. Depending on the fees involved, you may choose to wait until you are actually awarded a job before receiving your license.

Step 3

Apply for a license, if one is required. You may have to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, and you will likely be tested to determine your physical fitness and mental toughness, both of which are needed to be a fisherman.

Step 4

Enter a fisherman training program, if the opportunity is available to you. While not necessary, many larger fishing companies offer this service, and it could be your way of getting a job on a boat.

Step 5

Apply for a position as a boatswain or bo'sun, which are the lowest-ranking fishermen on a boat. It will take time to advance up the commercial fishing ladder to first mate and later captain, but if you work hard, prove to be reliable and perform well under pressure, you may find yourself leading a commercial fishing ship some day.

Tips & Warnings

If you are in an area where jobs open up with short notice before the boat's departure, get your license beforehand, and be prepared to load up on a boat on a day's notice.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...