How to Be Fishing Captain - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 30, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Fishing captains play an essential role in the fishing industry, as they are responsible for navigating boats, managing crews, and ensuring that the catch is profitable. As a result of their expertise, fishing captains can have a hugely positive effect on the industry. They have the ability to maximize the amount of fish that can be caught in a given day, which increases revenue for businesses and creates more jobs for fishermen.

They also have the knowledge to select the best fishing spots, which can lead to higher-quality catches and more satisfied customers. fishing captains can help ensure the safety of their crews by monitoring weather conditions and keeping a watchful eye out for any potential hazards. fishing captains are vital to the success of the fishing industry, as they are able to maximize profits while keeping their teams safe.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Commercial Fishing License. Most states require that anyone who wants to become a captain of a commercial fishing vessel must first obtain a commercial fishing license. You can obtain a commercial fishing license by applying to the Department of Fish and Wildlife in your state.
Obtain a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential. In order to become a fishing captain, you must obtain a US Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). This credential is required by the US Coast Guard in order to legally operate a commercial fishing vessel and act as its captain. You can apply for this credential online or in person at a USCG Regional Examination Center.
Learn Shipping Rules and Regulations. As a fishing captain, you will be responsible for the safety of the crew and vessel, so it's important that you are familiar with all of the rules and regulations that govern shipping. This includes navigation rules, weather conditions, and even communication protocols.
Get Experience. Experience is key when it comes to becoming a fishing captain. You will need to demonstrate proficiency in operating a fishing vessel, as well as knowledge in fishing regulations and procedures. You can gain this experience by working as a deckhand on a commercial fishing vessel or volunteering on an educational research vessel.
Obtain Necessary Certifications. Depending on the type of vessel you plan to operate, you may need to obtain additional certifications, such as a Vessel Operator License or a Fishing Master Certificate. These certifications will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in operating a specific type of vessel.
Network and Market Yourself. Once you have the necessary certifications and experience, you will need to start networking and marketing yourself in order to find employment as a fishing captain. Make sure to contact local fishing fleets, join professional organizations, and attend job fairs in order to increase your chances of finding work.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a fishing captain, it is important to stay up-to-date with relevant legislation and regulations, take continuing education courses, participate in job-specific trainings, and maintain a valid license. Keeping up with the latest developments in the fishing industry is also essential for success, as it will help captains understand the changes in the environment and regulations that affect the fishing industry. Additionally, staying ahead of the competition by having a good knowledge of the local areas and the different species of fish that inhabit them can help make fishing trips more successful. Finally, having a strong work ethic and excellent customer service skills are vital for success, as these will ensure customers have an enjoyable and successful experience while fishing.

You may want to check Captain of Industry, Ship Captain, and Squadron Captain for alternative.

Job Description

Operate, maintain, and repair fishing vessels and related equipment.
Plan and direct fishing activities, including determining the type and amount of fish to be captured.
Navigate vessels, read navigational charts and use navigational instruments to determine location and plan course of travel.
Monitor and adjust fishing equipment, bait, and lures to ensure optimal performance.
Inspect the catch for size, quality, and species.
Supervise deckhands in the operation of the fishing vessel and ensure safety regulations are followed.
Maintain a logbook of daily activities and weather conditions.
Follow federal and state regulations regarding fishing seasons, quotas, and sizes of the catch.
Prepare and submit reports on catches, fishing activities, and inventory of supplies.
Monitor fuel and engine performance, and make repairs as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of fishing rules and regulations.
Ability to navigate and operate a vessel in various conditions.
Familiarity with the types of fish and their habits.
Ability to solve mechanical problems and make repairs.
Experience with fishing gear and tackle.
Ability to read weather forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to maintain a safe working environment on board the vessel.
Knowledge of first aid procedures.
Proficiency in customer record keeping and documentation.

Being a successful fishing captain requires a vast array of skills. The most important skill to have is the ability to read the water. Knowing the currents, weather patterns, and fish habitats can be essential for finding the best spots for fishing.

having knowledge of different types of fishing techniques is crucial for success, as different types of fish require different methods of capture. Furthermore, captains must be able to read the environment and use their intuition to determine the best time for fishing. Knowing when to move to a new spot or change bait can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful day.

Finally, captains must possess the ability to safely operate their boat and navigate through potentially hazardous conditions. Without these skills, a captain may not be able to successfully lead his crew on a successful fishing expedition.

Team Captain, Police Captain, and Captain of Finance are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a Fishing Captain?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest fishing regulations?
What methods do you use to keep your crew motivated?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation while on a fishing trip.
How do you ensure that your vessel is in compliance with safety regulations?
What strategies do you use to maximize the efficiency of the fishing operation?
How do you handle disagreements between crew members?
Describe how you collaborate with other captains and crews to create a successful fishing trip.
What techniques do you use to navigate in unfamiliar waters?
How do you handle unexpected maintenance issues while on a fishing trip?

Common Tools in Industry

GPS Navigation System. A GPS navigation system helps a fishing captain locate and identify fishing spots, using satellite data to pinpoint their location. (e. g. Garmin GPSMAP)
Fishfinder. A fishfinder helps a fishing captain locate and identify fish, by sending sound waves into the water to detect schools of fish. (e. g. Humminbird Helix 5)
Fish Attractors. Fish attractors are artificial structures that fishing captains can use to draw fish to their location. (e. g. A-Frame Attractor)
Fishing Rods and Reels. Fishing rods and reels are essential for catching fish, and fishing captains need to have multiple types to match various conditions and species. (e. g. Shimano Reel with a Medium Heavy Action Rod)
Live Bait. Live bait is often used to attract fish, and fishing captains need to keep a supply of bait on hand, such as minnows, worms, and crickets. (e. g. Berkley Gulp Alive Minnows)
Fishing Lures. Fishing lures are artificial baits designed to mimic the movements of certain types of prey, and can be used to target specific species of fish. (e. g. Rapala X-Rap Magnum)
Tackle Box. A tackle box is an essential piece of equipment for any fishing captain, providing easy access and storage of all their gear. (e. g. Plano Tackle Box)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Sportfishing Association
Recreational Fishing Alliance
National Marine Manufacturers Association
International Game Fish Association
Coastal Conservation Association
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
United States Power Squadron
Professional Association of Dive Instructors
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Wildlife Conservation Society

We also have Yacht Captain, First Mate Captain, and Pilotage Captain jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Trawler. A large fishing vessel typically equipped with a net that drags along the seafloor to catch fish.
Boat Handling. The ability to maneuver and control a boat in various sea conditions.
Fishfinder. An electronic device used by fishermen to locate and identify fish underwater.
Navigation. The process of plotting and following a course from one point to another.
Fishery Management. The practice of managing and conserving fish populations in order to maximize their economic value.
Bait. Food or other substances used to attract fish to a particular area.
Rigging. The arrangement of sails and ropes on a boat to control its movements.
Knot Tying. The practice of tying knots in ropes or other materials for various purposes.
Weather Forecasting. The process of predicting weather conditions based on current and historical data.
Safety Practices. Procedures and protocols designed to reduce the risk of accidents while on board a boat.