King Crabbing Is Not for Wimps

Profitable, Most Times – Dangerous, ALWAYS!

Deadly Catch – King crab Fishing in Alaska

Fishing Alaskan crab in the Bering Sea is the most dangerous job among fisherman. The fatality rate is very high and it is said that on average, one fisherman dies every week during the season. The fishing season in Alaska is quite short, it starts from October and ends in January. The fishing conditions are very difficult, but the payback is very high. Fishermen are ready to risk their life because if they survive they can earn thousands of dollars in a single season.

The fishing industry of Alaska is not for people who are weak. The weather and water conditions are not very favorable. Fishing becomes lethal if it rains heavily and the waves are too high.

The water of Alaska is also very cold. And above all if you withstand the weather and water and are able to get hold of a deadly catch, moving cages or nets that weigh hundreds of pounds is equally difficult.

Alaskan king crabs are one of the world’s largest crabs and every year hundreds of fishermen risk their life to catch them. It has been estimated that each year around 250 to 300 boats reach Alaska for fishing. Fishermen do not treat all crabs equally. King crab is the main target and male crabs are also sought after. But they do not keep female and baby crabs and if they are trapped, fishermen throw back in the sea. The average crab often weighs in around 10-lbs and can even go up to 24lbs.

Fishing crabs require skill and patience. Usually, when a crab is trapped fishermen get very excited and aggressive. In this excitement often crabs are injured in the tussle and then, eaten alive by other crabs. Therefore once the crab is caught, fishermen must be careful with the crabs. If they bring dead crabs they will not be able to sell them. Below is a map of the fertile and dangerous fishing grounds for King Crab in Alaska.