Alaska Crab Fishing

 

stacking the crab pots at Dutch Harbor

Due to the heavy restrictions on harvest periods, it is critical that boats are ready on the very morning that the first day opens. Beating other boats to an area increases the catch exponentially and one day can make all the difference. Crab fishing docks are located at Dutch Harbor and the opening of a period sees a swarm of fishermen and crab boats, racing to find their treasure. They must first retrieve their pots and gear stacked at the docks.

fisherman arranging the crab pots

danger of crab fishing

In order to lure the crab, 700-pound cages called "pots" are dropped with bait of cod, herring and sardines which draw the crab in. They enter through a funnel that, once inside, keeps them from getting back out.

locating crab pots

Buoys are attached in order to locate the traps lying some 400 feet below. This is a very dangerous task. If the fisherman's foot gets tangled into the nylon roping, it will pull him right into the icy waters.

 

 

A typical crab boat has 6 guys working it, but a processing boat such as the one Roger works on, has 18. Each position has it's own requirements. There is always a mate, a captain, a skipper and a master. No matter the crew size, there must be at least three licensed people aboard.

 

Why do it?  Well, there's the thrill! And then there's the pay! It's not unheard of to haul in 100k on a trip (not being the owner or skipper).

 

ocean view from an Alaskan crab boat

  

Bald Eagle

 

Beats being cooped up in a cubical all day!

 

group of bald eagles at Dutch Harbor

 

Sunset from a crab fishing boat

 

man climbing between crab pots at the port 

Thank you, Roger!

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