Commercial fishing has long since been one of the world’s oldest and most physically demanding industries. The skill and overall willpower that’s required to make it through those long stints at sea is almost superhuman at times. The commercial fishing industry continues to pump the lifeblood into economies, carrying the responsibility for feeding millions of people and influencing coastal communities worldwide for generations. These photos capture the ups and the downs of being involved in the commercial fishing industry.
1. After hopping trains for a decade and going to all 50 states, most of Canada and Mexico, this guy settled in Alaska.
This guy must have some exceptional stories from his time on trains and out at sea.
2. Jimmy’s a commercial fisherman with a knack for great catches.
Look at that dude.
3. Replacing the freshwater pump on a commercial fishing vessel is no easy feat.
To say that this huge commercial fishing vessel is a beauty would be a vast understatement.
4. Some big Atlantic Halibut.
Going to take a wild guess that this was one of this guy’s favorite days on the job.
5. A 97 inch, over 500 pound, Bluefin Tuna caught aboard the Hard Merchandise this summer.
The boat was probably rocking when this lad came onboard.
6. Alaska cancels snow, king crab season over population concerns.
When there’s a lack of snow in Alaska, things can go haywire quickly.
7. Commercial fishing certainly has its moments.
A solid haul, to say the least.
8. It’s crab season and a great time to work out at sea in Oakland.
Oakland seems like one of the more agreeable places to work crab fishing shifts.
9. Some guys out commercial fishing in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
Everyone looks like they’re being kept quite busy.
10. Caught while out commercial fishing in Oregon.
The seagulls really made a statement in this shot.
11. A commercial fishing boat runs aground in Point Pleasant, NJ.
It’s a tough day when you’re onboard a ship and it ends up running aground.
12. Caught by a cameraman for Deadliest Catch on the Cornelia Marie.
That poor guy looks like he’s trying to hold the ship up by himself.
13. A commercial fisherman powers through a cold Danish winter.
Just imagine how cold your hands would get.
14. Some days commercial fishing in Alaska are prettier than others.
This could be the calm before or after a vicious Alaskan storm.
15. A difficult day to be a commercial fisherman.
It’s easy to forget just how monstrous the waves can get while you’re commercial fishing.
16. That ship is really going through it.
You’ve just got to hope that anyone onboard that ship was successfully helped out.
17. That light looks like a glimmer of hope.
Talk about an ethereal glow while out at sea.
18. A day in the life while commercial salmon fishing.
These guys look like they’re having the best of times.
19. The commercial fishing views in Alaska can end up being magical.
The sunsets and sunrises on certain days at sea can truly be unrivaled.
20. Nothing like starting work at dawn.
The dawn shifts aren’t for the weakhearted.
