Bristol bay 2026
I’m 32 and heading to Bristol Bay this season to work on the Hannah with Northline. I have no commercial fishing experience and I’m basically trying to get my foot in the door in the fishing industry.
Honestly, I don’t have many ties keeping me where I am. I’ve been wanting a major life change, some adventure, and a chance to build something different for myself. Commercial fishing seemed like one of the few opportunities left where you can throw yourself into something completely new, work hard, and potentially change your life.
The plan is to work the salmon season, learn as much as possible, and hopefully move into other fisheries afterward. I also have an interview with Alaskan Leader Fisheries for after the season.
For those of you who have done it:
What do you wish you knew before your first season?
What mistakes do greenhorns make?
Is commercial fishing still a good path for someone trying to build a future in the industry?
Appreciate any advice. Excited, nervous, and ready to see where this takes me