17 Fisherman Interview Questions and Answers

Fishing is one of the oldest occupations in the world, and it’s also one of the most dangerous. Every year, commercial fishermen risk their lives to harvest the seafood that we all enjoy.

If you’re looking for a job as a commercial fisherman, you’ll need to go through an interview process. During the interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your experience, your qualifications, and your goals.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers. We’ve also included some tips on how to answer each question.

Are you comfortable working with animals?

Fishermen often work with animals, so the interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with them. If you do, share a story about how you helped an animal in need. If you don’t, explain that you would be willing to learn and develop this skill.

Example: “I’ve never worked with animals, but I am open to learning. In my previous position, I was fishing when I noticed a dog swimming out into the lake. I immediately called for help and we rescued the dog. The owner was very grateful and gave me a reward.”

What are some of the most important skills for a fisherman?

This question can help an interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to fishing.

Example: “The most important skill for a fisherman is patience. Fishing requires waiting for fish to bite, so I think it’s essential to remain calm and collected while on the water. Another important skill is communication. Fishermen often work with other people, so it’s important to be able to speak clearly and listen closely to others. Finally, I think that problem-solving skills are crucial because there are always unexpected situations that arise when working as a fisherman.”

How do you handle working in harsh weather conditions?

Fishermen often work in extreme weather conditions, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the job. In your answer, explain how you’ve handled working in harsh weather before and what strategies you use to stay safe and productive.

Example: “I have worked as a fisherman for many years now, so I’m used to working in all kinds of weather. When it’s cold, I wear layers that I can take off or put on depending on how hot or cold I get. If it’s raining, I bring an umbrella with me and try to find cover when I need to do something like check my equipment. I also always carry extra rain gear with me just in case.”

What is your greatest accomplishment as a fisherman?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what kind of work ethic you have. They may also want to see if your answer aligns with their expectations for the role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about a time when you faced a challenge or overcame an obstacle while working as a fisherman.

Example: “My greatest accomplishment as a fisherman was when I caught a rare fish that had eluded me for weeks. It took me several days to find the right bait and location, but once I did, I finally landed the fish. My perseverance paid off, and my client was thrilled.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

Interviewers ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional in challenging situations. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a fishing guide, I had a client who was very unhappy with their experience. The client felt like they didn’t catch enough fish and wanted a refund. I listened to what they were saying and tried to understand where they were coming from. After talking it through, we agreed that they would come back out fishing with me again at no charge. This helped them feel better about the situation and gave us another chance to have a positive experience together.”

If you saw another fisherman doing something that was against company policy, how would you handle it?

Interviewers ask this question to see how you would handle a situation that could arise on the job. They want to know that you will speak up if you see something wrong and that you can work with others in a team setting. In your answer, explain what you would do and why you feel it is important to report any wrongdoing.

Example: “If I saw another fisherman doing something against company policy, I would first try to talk to them about it. If they didn’t listen or continued to break the rules, I would report it to my supervisor so they could address the issue.”

What would you do if you caught a rare fish that you were not allowed to keep?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would react to a challenging situation. Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt by describing what you would do in this situation.

Example: “If I caught a rare fish that I was not allowed to keep, I would release it back into the water as quickly as possible so that no one else could catch it. If I had already removed it from the water, I would take pictures of it and make sure that I remember its markings so that I know which species it is when I see it again.”

How well can you read maps and follow directions?

Fishermen often need to read maps and follow directions, so an interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience doing these things. If you do, share a time when you used your map reading skills to help your team or company succeed.

Example: “I am very good at reading maps and following directions. In my last position, I was the designated navigator for our fishing boat. This meant that I had to use my navigation skills to find the best fishing spots each day. I would study the weather reports and tidal charts before we left port in the morning. Then, once we were out on the water, I would use my maps and GPS to guide us to the best locations.”

Do you have experience using boats?

This question can help interviewers determine if you have experience operating a boat. They may ask this to see how comfortable you are with driving boats and other water vehicles. If you don’t have experience using boats, consider talking about your experience using similar vehicles like cars or trucks.

Example: “I’ve driven small fishing vessels before, but I’m more experienced at driving larger boats. In my last position, I was responsible for driving the boat that took us out on the lake. I also had to drive the boat back to shore when we were done fishing. I am confident in my ability to operate a boat safely.”

When is the best time to catch certain types of fish?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the fishing industry. Use examples from your experience to show how you use your expertise to make decisions about when to go out on a boat and what types of fish you’re likely to catch at different times of the year.

Example: “The best time to catch salmon is in the fall, as they migrate back to their spawning grounds. I know this because I’ve been fishing for salmon since I was a child, so I have plenty of personal experience with it. Salmon are also more active during the day than at night, which means we should be able to catch them more quickly if we start fishing early in the morning.”

We want to improve our customer service. Give us an example of how you would improve our customer experience.

Customer service is an important part of any job, but it’s especially crucial for a position that involves interacting with the public. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience in customer service and how you can improve their company’s current practices. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure customers are happy and satisfied with their interactions with the company.

Example: “I believe the most important aspect of customer service is making sure the customer feels heard. I always try to listen carefully to what they’re saying and respond thoughtfully. If they need help or want to voice a complaint, I am more than willing to hear them out and do whatever I can to resolve the issue. Another thing I do to improve customer service is provide helpful information. For example, if someone calls asking about our products, I will tell them everything I know about the product and even direct them to someone else who may be able to help them better.”

Describe your experience with processing and selling fish.

This question can help interviewers understand your experience with the fish industry and how you might fit in at their company. Use examples from previous jobs to explain what you did, how you did it and why you were successful.

Example: “At my last job, I was responsible for processing and selling our catch every day. I started by sorting through the fish we caught that day, removing any that weren’t up to quality standards. Then, I would clean the remaining fish before weighing them and recording the weight. After that, I would package the fish according to size and sell them to customers.”

What makes you stand out from other fishermen?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your unique skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you a valuable employee, so they can decide if you’re the right fit for their company. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out from other fishermen. These could be specific skills, certifications or experiences.

Example: “I have been fishing since I was a child, so I am very experienced in this field. I also hold a commercial fishing license, which means I can work on my own without supervision. Finally, I have experience working with large groups of people, as I worked on a boat with five other crew members.”

Which fishing techniques are you most comfortable with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and comfort with various fishing techniques. You can answer this question by listing the fishing methods you are most comfortable using, along with a brief explanation of why they’re your favorite.

Example: “I am most comfortable with trolling because it’s one of the best ways to catch large fish. I’ve been practicing this technique for years, so I have developed quite a bit of skill in it. I also enjoy bottom fishing because it allows me to get up close and personal with the fish I’m catching. It’s always exciting when I see the fish I’m reeling in and know that I caught it myself.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of safety on a fishing boat?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety on a fishing boat. They want to know that you will take all necessary precautions while working and ensure your crewmates are safe as well. In your answer, explain what you think is most important about safety and give an example of how you would implement it in your work.

Example: “The most important aspect of safety on a fishing boat is making sure everyone has proper equipment. I once worked with a fisherman who didn’t have enough life jackets for his crew. He told us we could share if someone else needed one, but he couldn’t afford to buy more. We ended up sharing so no one was without a jacket, but it made me realize how important it is to have adequate supplies. Now, I always make sure my crew has plenty of everything they need.”

How often do you clean and maintain your fishing equipment?

This question can help an interviewer determine how much attention to detail you have and whether you’re organized. It’s important to show that you know when to clean your equipment, how often it should be cleaned and how to do so properly.

Example: “I clean my fishing equipment after every use. I start by removing all the fish hooks from the bait and then wash them in a bucket of water with dish soap. Next, I rinse the hooks off thoroughly and let them dry on a towel. Finally, I store the hooks back into their original container. I also make sure to keep my fishing line well-wound and stored in its case.”

There is a mechanical problem on your boat, but you can still catch enough fish to complete your quota. Do you continue fishing or return to the dock?

This question is designed to test your decision-making skills and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of completing your quota, but also consider safety when making decisions.

Example: “I would continue fishing because I know my crew depends on me for their paychecks. However, if it was a situation where we were in danger or could not catch enough fish to meet our quota, then I would return to the dock immediately.”