Fishing is among the most popular as well as exciting summer jobs that one can have in Alaska. It is a way of life that many people in the state are proud of. If you are looking for a summer job, and want to gain some experience, you can do so legally by working for the state of Alaska as a fisher. The best part is that you do not necessarily have to be a skilled fisherman to begin with, as there are several opportunities in the state for those who are just entering the field.
How Much Does It Pay?
The hourly wage for a fisher in the state is good, and can reach up to $25 or even $30 per day, depending on the time of year and the amount of experience you have.
However, if you are interested in making extra money, you can always sell your catch to recreational fishing guides, who then make a lot more than you would as a member of the public. This can be an additional source of income for you during the summer months. In general, though, fishing in Alaska does not have to be financially difficult. Many people who work in the field manage to support their families on a full-time basis during the off-season, and part-time fishermen often work multiple jobs in order to make ends meet.
Is It A Trend?
Although it is not officially endorsed by the state of Alaska, as a form of self-employment, fishing is among the most common summer jobs that millennials are taking on. The state does have a good economy, especially in the area of sales, office work, and retail. Between these sectors, there are plenty of opportunities if you are looking for a job. In 2018 alone, there were over 50,000 new jobs available in the state. With an estimated 1.67 million millennials living in Alaska, employers will have plenty of opportunity to grow their workforce and provide training for the coming years.
Should You Consider This Job?
If you are looking to gain some experience, and do not mind a job that is not highly paid, then fishing in Alaska is a good option for you. The state benefits system will also cover the cost of your enrollment, and you can use your lunch breaks to catch some fish and eat them later on. Consider a few factors before you make a decision, though. First, how experienced are you in catching fish? Second, how important is it to you to be able to support yourself and family during the off-season? Third, is the amount of work consistent enough for you to be able to put in the required amount of hours per day?
Each of these questions should be considered individually, as they will all affect the type of work you will be able to do and how much you will enjoy it. Do not just look at the money that the job pays, as you will have to put in the required amount of time in order to be able to make ends meet. In addition, be sure to consult with a state fisheries agent before making any decisions, as they can help you determine the correct licensing requirements for the position you are considering.
Fishing Alaska: Overview
There are several ways for you to get a license to fish in the state of Alaska. If you are a citizen, you do not necessarily need to be a resident in order to apply for a license. However, you must be at least 16 years old in order to apply for a commercial fishing license. You can also apply for a sport fishing license, which allows you to fish for species that can be kept as trophies, such as salmon, trout, and blackfish. If you are an Alaskan Native, you must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for a sport fishing license, and you do not need to be a citizen in order to do so. In addition to the sport fishing license, you can apply for a non-resident subsistence license, if you plan to use indigenous foods as part of your diet. This license allows you to take fish for personal use during certain times of year, depending on whether you are an Alaska Native or not.
Once you have your license, you can head out to fish in any of the state’s freshwater lakes and streams. Many fishers choose to fish in the Kenai River, as they believe that the fishing there is among the best in the entire country. If you have a boat, you can also go out for sea fishing, which is why so many Alaskans enjoy spending their summers at boats in various harbors around the state. If you want to get out on the water, but do not own a boat, you can rent one from a local fishing lodge, or ask a friend or family member who does.
Although there are several different kinds of fishing in Alaska, most people only focus on a few of them. Deep-sea fishing, Arctic char, and walleye fishing are some of the most popular, as these fish can be challenging to catch, and once they are, they are very tasty. Sport fishermen often target king salmon, which can be particularly challenging to catch, as these fish are very powerful and difficult to bring down once they are hooked. Some fishers choose to fish for trout, as these fish can be found in abundance in most parts of the state, and it is very easy to catch and prepare specimens for consumption.
If you can reel in a fish of a similar size to you, then you will feel that you have done your job. When scaling a fish, make sure that you remove the head and tail, and cut off all of the fins, as you will not be able to eat these parts once your catch has been weighed and recorded. In order to ensure that your fish do not smell when you are preparing them, cut off all of the fins, and remove the head and tail, as these are the areas that fish can smell from the most. Once your fish are scaled and cleaned, you can cook and eat them right away, or store them in the freezer until you are ready to use them.
Is A Summer Holiday In Alaska Worth It?
If you happen to live in or near Anchorage, then the short answer is yes. There are plenty of attractions and activities for children and adults alike, with all five boroughs of the city being within an hour’s drive of each other. There are also lots of outdoor activities that you and your family can participate in. If you have a canoe, you can go on leisurely day trips down the nearby rivers, checking out the scenery and fishing for trout or catch-and-release. You can also create your own adventure, by driving off-road in your kayak, exploring areas that are inaccessible by road, and looking for fish and other aquatic life along the way. If you are a nature lover, then a summer holiday in Alaska is certainly worth it. The best time for an adventure like this is in the spring, as there is plenty of wildlife to be seen and documented throughout the season, but the weather is still sufficiently cool to prevent you from overheating. In the summer, the air is simply stifling, and going for a swim is very unlikely to be pleasant. The water is also extremely warm, so getting in and out of the water is likely to be exhausting, even for adults. In the autumn, the weather is getting closer to its typical extreme in the Northern and Southern parts of the state, with temperatures plummeting, and heavy frost laying down a layer of white snow on the ground.
For those who live in the central and northern parts of the state, the winter is a more preferable time of year. There is little or no precipitation, so if you are planning to travel or go on a picnic, then the weather is more suitable. The downside to the winter is that it is a relatively short season, and most people would agree that a summer in Alaska is much more enjoyable, especially if you are looking for some excitement. The majority of the year is spent in relative darkness, as there is not much sunshine, and the temperatures can drop to their lowest levels, which can make it more difficult to do certain tasks, such as cooking food or heating water. Those who live in the southern parts of the state can also experience extremely cold winters, with temperatures often dropping well below zero, which can also make it more difficult to do certain tasks, such as gardening or driving on icy roads. Some parts of the state have very harsh winters, with early mornings and late nights being the least favorite times for most people to spend, as they are still illuminated by sunlight, and therefore, easier to spot by predators. Every season has its perks, however, with the exception of winter, which brings its own set of challenges. A summer in Alaska is undoubtedly a valuable experience, which you will enjoy and look back on in the future, as you make your way through life. As for now, take time to enjoy the simple things in life: waking up, going to bed, having fun with your family, and eating good food.