Fishing Jobs for Backpackers

Fishing Jobs in Australia

Whenever you speak to backpackers in Australia and ask how they plan to earn money over the 12 months they are there, the most common answer is farm work. The reason for this is that they want to earn a second-year visa. The Australian working holiday visa is fairly simple to obtain, and it starts when you enter the country (so don't wait until the last minute to apply). The second-year visa, however, is more difficult.

To be eligible for that second year, a working holiday-maker in Australia must complete at least three months of farm work. Most backpackers head straight to agricultural locations as there is plenty of fruit picking to be done throughout the country. However, there is a little-known fact about this 'farm work' requirement:

Commercial fishing also fulfils that eligibility, and it can be far more lucrative than working on a farm. For this reason, it can be a fantastic job for backpackers in Australia on a working holiday visa.

Why are fishing jobs great for backpackers?

Fishing is not for the faint-hearted. It involves long hours of physically demanding work, and you may be at sea for as much as 4 months (depending on the season), but the challenges are vastly outweighed by the rewards. An adventurous traveller will get a fantastic experience of Australia whilst trawling for prawns, and they will make good money doing it.

Read on if you want to learn more about what to expect if you want to pursue work in commercial fishing to fulfil your Australian working holiday visa.

How much money can I earn commercial fishing in Australia?

There is lots of money to make, but there is some risk. A cook or crew member usually makes around 10% of the overall catch, though this varies between companies and boats. The work is hard but extremely rewarding (and not just financially), but there are a few complexities to the money situation you should be aware of.

You get your money at the end of the season (minus expenses). Lodging is provided on the boat, but you pay for your food, satellite phone calls and anything else you order whilst on the sea. Catching Tiger Prawns will usually earn you around $10,000 for the season (4 months). Banana Prawns are significantly more lucrative, earning you around $15,000-20,000 for a 10-week season.

What jobs are available and how do you find them?

The jobs involved in commercial fishing for the average backpacker are as a deckhand or perhaps a cook.

A deckhand's responsibilities include ensuring the general upkeep of the vessel, relaying important information to the crew and maintaining equipment.

Skippers tend to do their own hiring for each season, so you should head down to the wharves before the Tiger Prawn or Banana Prawn seasons commence and start asking about jobs.

Cairns is a good place to start. Bigger fishing companies include Austfish and Raptis, though you might have more luck with smaller companies as the larger ones may require some kind of experience.

When is the season for commercial fishing in Australia?

Tiger Prawn season in Australia comes around August to December, while Banana Prawn season is April to June. Most boats start preparations around a month before the commencement of a season. So start looking at the wharves around March or July to get in on the seasons.

Are fishing jobs hard?

Be under no illusion that working the trawlers is hard work. But there are tremendous benefits to be enjoyed, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a real brotherhood. You will be part of a tight-knit community that works hard and parties even harder, and you will have many unforgettable experiences to take home.

That said, you should not be put off - the fishing industry can be an incredibly lucrative earner even for unskilled workers. Put in a few months of hard labour and you could find yourself with the money to fund some spectacular adventures. This is an excellent solution for anyone who has big ideas about what they want to do in Australia but is a little short of funds.