The difficulties are not without their rewards. The usual job for a greenhorn is to bait the traps or work with the nets. Be prepared to work a few days for free to prove your worth to the Captain before he ll hire you, and make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. After getting a job you should get paid a percentage of the catch. These vessels both catch and process fish.
Beginners usually start out as a processor, but can move up to a deckhand position with experience.
Try to avoid companies that pay an hourly wage, you ll make more money working for a case rate or a percentage of the catch. The hours are long, averaging sixteen hours a day with most companies and work is tedious and monotonous. The working conditions are cold so bring the appropriate clothing and anything else you will need for a thre to four month stay. The company will take you to Alaska on the boat or fly you into an Alaskan city when the boat is in port. Most companies pay for flights to the job site from Seattle, and back again after you complete your contract.