ALASKA commercial Fishing job (AND KITING!)

desertwind · Since 15 Mar 2011 3 Posts Alaska Kook

In my search for the ideal crewman/kiter to hire for fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska this summer, I have expanded my search to include the NW (I have also posted this on Kiteforum). I figure you guys are used to being cold, wet and working/kiting hard.

I am once again on the hunt for someone to work and kite with me in my remote setnet fish camp on the Ugashik River in Bristol Bay, Alaska. This is on the very edge of "the bay" where it transitions into the Bering Sea so is pretty much a quiet wilderness, especially compared to the crazyness that is the rest of Bristol Bay. Although I have been fishing for years, this last summer was my first summer in this location so I was unsure about the kiting. To my delight, it turned out to be world class, as far as I am concerned! The wind blows 15-25 knots a few days a week minimum and sometimes seven days a week! Most of the kiting we do is on a large, shallow, warm (for Alaska anyway) and totally flat calm lake behind my cabin. There are no trees anywhere and the soft tundra all around is the best kind of surface to get spanked on should you get hauled out of the water trying a trick. This was the first place I have ever had the nerve to try board taps on the shore.

The kiting is great, but of course the job comes first. As I said in my original post, I am looking for someone with all or most of the following attributes: physically strong (you don't need to be a weight lifter, just used to working hard with your body), very used to and experienced in outdoor physical labor, very good and positive attitude, no bad tempers, mellow disposition, learns fast, has experience with small engines, and of course, kites. Some optional and desirable skills include: experience with boats, sport or commercial fishing experience and sick kiteboarding trick skills (cause I want to learn more tricks!). You do not need to have commercial fishing experience, though sport fishing experience is nice so you are used to dealing with fish.

This is am amazing opportunity to make some money, kite in the wilderness in Alaska and in general have a killer, crazy, once in a lifetime experience. Every time I go out to fish for the summer I feel blessed to be able to have that experience in a place few people ever get to see. Its also very hard work (especially when we fish 12 hrs and 6,000 pounds then go kiting afterward!) and it really should only be considered by people who have lots of experience doing hard, physical work with their hands outdoors.

If you are interested, just email me with some images of you out and about, at least 3 references that can speak to your work ethic and experience working outdoors (I will personally call all of them) and some information about yourself (interests, experiences, desires in life, whatever).

The season is very short in Bristol Bay. I expect a crewman to be at fish camp for a minimum of 35 days, but more realistically it will be about 45––from roughly June 15-Aug 1. The peak of fishing is usually right at the end of June through the first week of July. On both ends there is lots of "scratch fishing," which is fishing but not making huge hauls and then there is pre- and post-season work such as getting the camp setup and ready in the spring, readying gear, mending nets, working on small engines (outboards, 4-wheelers, etc), etc.

Email me with the details listed above and describe why you are qualified and want to do this. My email is info@desertwindkiteboarding.com. Tel: 907.299.1119. A perk of the job is that I'll get you a pro deal on any gear you want through my shop/school for 6 months after the season.

Thanks for your interest and thanks to all of you incredibly interesting (and sometimes downright strange) kiters who contacted me about this job last year!

Here are some images and a story about kiting and working last summer: http://www.travelerphotography.com/writing/short_stories/kitefishing.html
This forum is cutting off the link so if it doesn't work go to:
http://www.travelerphotography.com
Click "writing"
Click "Commercial Fishing & Kiteboarding in the Alaskan Wilderness"

Traveler Terpening

forrest · Tue Mar 15, 11 5:15 pm

Sick! Good luck! Sounds like an amazing adventure!

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Looks awesome! Heads up the link didn't work--at least on my computer.

NateDogg · Tue Mar 15, 11 6:51 pm

I think this is the intended link:

http://www.travelerphotography.com/writing/short_stories/kitefishing.html

desertwind · Since 15 Mar 2011 3 Posts Alaska Kook

In addition to looking for someone to crew with me this summer, I also need some help getting a few things delivered to the Seattle dock for a barge going north to Alaska leaving March 24th. Obviously I am not in the area or I would do this myself.

I am also looking for someone to hire in the next few days. In particular, I am looking to bring a new 4-wheeler up to fish camp and am looking for someone who is very knowledgeable about buying used ATVs/cars who can go look at a few used ATVs and if I buy it, deliver it to the barge before March 24th. I may also be looking for a fridge and a few other things.

So, I am looking for someone in the Seattle area who can do a little running around for me and is knowledgeable about mechanical things. I am offering an "expediting" fee for this work which we can discuss.

Please email me if you can help me with this.
Traveler Terpening
907 299 1119
info@desertwindkiteboarding.com

mark_bristol · Since 24 Apr 2009 7 Posts Kook

Since it is a commercial effort, anyone interested in fishing Bristol Bay should be aware of some costs that a crewman usually pays for. Such as:

Airfare PDX to King Salmon, round trip $1,000
Airfare King Salmon to Ugashik, round trip $300
Alaska Crewman's License $200
Raingear, boots, gloves $300
Food, minimum $10 per day, 40 days $400
Total $2,200

Not only are expenses high, but there is no guarantee that a crewman will earn more than expenses.

A few more things: The ratio of men to women is, let's say 50 to 1 on a good day. Cell phone service must be purchased from the local provider, and any kind of internet connection is problematic at best.

So if you are looking to get away from it all, including such things as sunshine and the prime Gorge season, Ugashik just might be for you.

desertwind · Since 15 Mar 2011 3 Posts Alaska Kook

Thank you for bringing up those points.

Actually I pay for the crew's ticket from Anchorage to the fish camp ($700) and my crew (or any crew in almost any operation for that matter) never pay for food or lodging. I also provide rain gear and gloves and just about everyone already has a pair of knee high boots that will work. I also pay a bonus that always covers the crew license. My crew usually just pays for their ticket to Anchorage from wherever they are and even that often ends up being just a few hundred since I can usually arrange a miles ticket. One expense my crew does have is fly fishing-style chest waders; but many people already have these as well, or can borrow them.

Fishing is always a gamble in terms of making money. But that is part of the fun. We have all had seasons where we made almost nothing but we have also had seasons where we make a killing. Many seasons are in the middle. For me, they have always averaged out to pay the bills and take me to warm places to kite.

Internet and phone are indeed very limited but I can't think of anything better than unplugging every summer. In fact, that's one of my favorite things about fish camp. Personally, I can do without chasing women for one and a half months out of the year.

Thanks again for reminding me to address of each of those points for those interested.

Traveler

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

Cheers to whoever Traveler chooses for the job or the man willing to take the adventure.

Traveler is a cool straight up guy who will be fair and honest with whoever goes to work for him and I don't know where he finds all that energy to have his hands in so many projects. Easy guy to get along with and a good kiter so whoever takes the job should have a good time and alot of hard work. I debated the job myself but the kiting is to good here to leave during those months.

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

I need a job this summer!!

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

SARAH PALIN IS FROM ALASKA, SO I AM OUT.

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Mar 17, 11 11:21 am

I spent summers fishing in Kodiak (and Val-Disease) during college. While I didn't gill net like they do in Bristol Bay, I urge anyone that is interested to give it a shot. If your on a good boat, the money can be very good. Outside of the money though, Alaska is an amazing place and for a kid from Toledo, OH it was a life changing event; one that spurred me to pack my bags and move to the west coast.

It's definitely not for everyone. It is cold, wet, and everything you own will smell like fish. On top of that, you don't get a whole hell of allot of sleep and if your not able to keep a positive attitude in the face of fatigue and shitty conditions, you are for sure going to rub the crew the wrong way.

On the plus side, Alaska is a very beautiful and magical place that is so immense you can not really imagine it unless you have been there. There were times where I wanted to be anywhere but stuck in a small fishing village in the middle of absolutely nowhere (Alitak) but there were also times when I couldn't believe how lucky I was to experience some of the wonders of Alaska.

So if your fit and able, go grab life by the horns and see some things. Fly to Alaska, get your hands dirty and experience something that few people ever do. You will have your whole life to work a 9 to 5 job or go out drink with your friends in the summer sun. The memories of your Alaska fishing adventure will stay with you for a lifetime.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

mark_bristol · Since 24 Apr 2009 7 Posts Kook

Bristol Bay is "man's work" ? The all-girl crew of the Bristol Bay drift-boat "Cloud Nine" would surely laugh at that notion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu_E6kSqrOI

Not many women in Bristol Bay, but those who choose to work there do just fine.

SalmonSlayer · Since 27 Nov 2005 648 Posts Addicted **CGKA Member**

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

Dude I'm not a pussy.. I may have one but I can hold my own. I may not be as strong as a man or as big, but I know I could handle the task with a little training. I also could teach you some kiting shit.. And I chew and drink beer so I would fit right in.

bulae99 · Since 12 Jul 2006 1691 Posts I give out bad advice.

Man if I was a bit younger and in better shape I would jump all over this. What a great opportunity.

forrest · Fri Mar 18, 11 8:03 am

I vote for Holly!