If there is one question that I get asked when people find out that I work on a fishing boat in Alaska, it’s “how do I get that job?!”

To many people, it seems elusive and impossible.  Alaska feels much farther than a 3.5 hour flight from the Lower 48.

Finding a job in Alaska isn’t impossible, it just takes planning ahead, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to take a risk.  There are no guarantees with fishing, including when looking for a job.  In all honesty, the actual event of finding a job in the fishing industry takes more than typing into Google “commercial fishing jobs in Alaska.”  Very few people find jobs via the internet or over the phone, although there are some exceptions (like myself).  Most captains want to meet their potential crew members in person before making the decision to trust their season to their work ethic.

If The Real Alaska’s stories, photos and videos have sparked an interest to work in this incredible industry, then you have come to the right spot. Last year, Brett and Sierra created The ABC’s of Landing a Commercial Fishing Job, which was also featured in an article from the Anchorage Daily News. This is a great place to start. As the summer season approaches, I encourage you to read this post and learn more from those who know the industry best. I’d like show you the personal side of my experience landing a commercial fishing job.

A good crew can make a season, and a bad crew can break it.  With the captain’s livelihood on the line, a solid, hardworking crew is crucial.

If all you do is go to Google to do a search for an Alaskan fishing job, and find yourself discouraged because you’re not finding much but info and stories from others, you’ll never get closer than your keyboard to all the adventure that Alaska holds.  The good stories go to those who don’t give in to fear.  Buy a plane ticket, get to Alaska, and see what taking a risk can do for you.

So, to those who are interested in making their dream a reality, in taking your adventure past a computer screen, I want to encourage you to take that step.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be writing about my experience of moving from the Lower 48 to Alaska, giving the “inside track” on what to expect and how to plan ahead, how to find a job and a place to stay.  I’d love to hear comments from people who have advice, questions, or comments.  Add to the conversation!

Stay tuned for my personal experience!