The Deadliest Catch: King Crab Fishing in Alaska

Many of us enjoy quietly fishing in the afternoon sun. But some of us want to do something more extreme. If you’re someone who enjoys boating in stormy seas and wants to catch some monstrous sea creatures, then king crab fishing is for you.

King crab is one of the most numerous sea creatures that live on the Alaskan coast. It is a majestic creature that is held in high regard by many restaurants in the world. But catching one is never easy. The trip usually includes traversing rough seas and unfamiliar territory. However, it can easily be one of the most rewarding and thrilling experiences in your life.

Before discussing how you can experience king crab fishing, let us first discuss the king crab and its physiology.

The King Crab

The Alaskan king crab, also known as the red king crab, is a monstrous alien-like creature known for its delightful meat found on its legs and its crab fats found inside its shell.

Where to Catch?

Most king crab species live in North American waters, namely the Bering sea and the Aleutian Islands. Some king crabs can also be fished in Russia, but they aren’t as many and as big as you would catch in the Gulf of Alaska. There are no other places where you would find these sea creatures, making them an expensive treat to many people worldwide.

A Rare Delicacy

It’s estimated that Alaskan king crab can cost between $60 to $70 per pound, and considering that a single king crab has an average weight of six to eight pounds, you could easily pay $300 above for one king crab. Some king crabs can even weigh up to 20 pounds, surpassing any other crab species when it comes to size.

The king crab is certainly a rare delicacy in the world, and those people behind catching these majestic creatures work hard to get these into various markets in the world.

Catching One

Catching a king crab is no easy feat. The Bering sea is considered to be one of the most dangerous waters in the world, with waters rising up to 30 ft on a normal day. The water is also so cold that it’s enough to invoke hypothermia to bodies who have not yet settled in with the harsh climate. But these are the waters that many king crab fishermen dare to conquer for a good catch.

If you’re an amateur angler, then this path is not yet meant for you. But if you want to experience catching a king crab, then visiting Alaska is your first choice.

The King Crab Fishing Experience

If you want to go fishing, then going to Alaska is for you. King crab fishing is an experience given by exciting saltwater fishing trips in Alaska. However, don’t go expecting that you’ll be on the same ride as the show ‘The Deadliest Catch.’ You’re likely to experience a much tame experience in catching your very first Alaskan king crab. You’re also likely to catch a ton of salmon and halibut during your experience.

This fishing experience also includes you seeing the various islands off the Alaskan coast, encountering some wild creatures, and seeing sights you would never have seen before in your life. It’ll be a cold experience, but one that you will remember for the rest of your life.

So what if, after this enlightening experience, you’d want to go professional. What happens if you want to become a part of this million-dollar market in the future?

Making a Career Out of it

King crab fishing is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not for those who are not physically ready. If you’d want to make a career out of king crab fishing, you’ll have to start as a crew member, pulling up cages for your captain and battling the waters of the Bering sea. There are many job offers for those who are interested since it’s also a seasonal job.

You can also choose to purchase your boat and hire your crew, all of which cost thousands of dollars. If you’re not experienced with king crab fishing, then you should consider the previous option first. But if you think you’re good enough of a captain to delegate your crews and catch king crab, then go on ahead. You’ll have to study the regulations behind king crab fishing first, before anything else, and register as a fishing vessel to the authorities.

King crab fishing is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s worthwhile checking out if you’re in Alaska. Trust us. You’ll have memories that you will never forget.

Meta title: The King Crab Fishing Experience in Alaska
meta desc: The Alaskan king crab is the priciest crab in the world. Do you want to experience catching one? Then going to Alaska is your first step for this experience.