Couldn't quite keep my mouth shut on this one....
First thing is the issue with wandering the docks in Kodiak, you might be able to get a job that way, but there are better ways to go about it. When there hiring for Commercial Fishing there will be PLENTY of notice right in the Anchorage Daily News
http://www.adn.com I would consider staying in the Anchorage area and doing a little bit of recon at first.
It's good to hear that you're not afraid of hard work, but Commercial Fishing up here is THE most dangerous job in the world, far more dangerous than Law Enforcement, Fire Fighting, or even a war time journalist. days with no sleep, ice on the decks, bad work crews, the cages, lines,and hypothermic waters all factor into this. If you take an unexpected plunge into the water you can expect to live about ten minutes at the most if you're not wearing a floatcoat. (in these cases a normal lifejacket just makes the body location and identification a little easier)
another factor to consider is the fact that commercial fishing has been HORRIBLE here the last couple years. Theres many, many people who have gotten out of the business these days and I haven't met anyone that's exactly made a killing off of it lately. The number of workers hired as well as the overall wage has been affected by the small catches. While I'm on the topic of money, about seven out of ten of the people I meet that have worked the Commercial Fishing Crews have wound up SERIOUSLY taking it in the shorts come paytime. Most of the ones that haven't had that experience "knew someone" I really, really don't want to come off as a "know it all" or focus on negative aspects, people have made alot of money in that line of work, but every cent of it was hard earned, and I've known of alot more dead fishermen or fishermen with missing body parts than I've known rich ones. (I also know LOTS of them that are chronic drug abusers and alcoholics) Once again I sincerely apologize if I'm stepping on your toes here, it's not my intention. I just wanted to be sure you were aware of some of the negative aspects. Here's another web addy for ya:
http://sled.alaska.edu/jobs.html If you're interested in seasonal employment here theres hundreds and hundreds to get into. What ever decision you make, I wish you the best of luck! You're also welcome to contact me by email if theres any assistance I can offer you. Whoops! almost forgot knife content! if you DO choose to take the path of the Commercial Fishing, buy a good quality neck knife. wear it religiously. I prefer one with a break away chain that's tucked in my shirt, so I don't get yanked overboard or strangled by the damn thing. there....really finished this time! good luck!
