Commercial fishers and hunters catch and trap animals for food, bait, and other uses.

The duties of commercial fishers and hunters differ depending on what they are trying to catch. In general, fishers and hunters:

• Prepare nets, lines, or traps
• Bait hooks, cages, or pots
• Haul equipment
• Sort their catch
• Sell their catch
• Clean and maintain equipment
• Plan and prepare for their next trip

Fishers connect floats, weights, and flags to nets, lines, or traps. They also bait hooks, cages, or pots. Fishers may have favorite fishing spots that they return to often.

When they are ready to fish, they put the equipment in the water and anchor or tow it. After a period of time, fishers haul in equipment. They may attach nets to lifting devices to get them into the boat. This usually requires a second worker. One worker attaches the net and the second worker operates the lifting devices. Workers communicate by shouting or using hand signals.

Once the catch is on board, fishers sort their catch. They may measure some fish to make sure they meet the size requirement. Fish that are too small and other unwanted marine life are thrown back. Commercial fishers clean the fish and put them in the hold with salt and ice to keep them cold. They wash the deck and the equipment used to clean the fish. Commercial fishers sell their catch. This requires negotiating with buyers.

Hunters locate wild animals using compasses, charts, or using GPS. They then use traps or weapons. Hunters sell the animals they catch for food, fur, or decorative purposes.