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How to Become a Deckhand / Fishing Helper (Sorting Catch, Baiting Traps) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Have you ever imagined working on the water, handling the day’s catch, and learning the rhythms of Ontario’s Great Lakes? As a Deckhand / Fishing Helper (Sorting catch, baiting traps), you play a hands-on role in commercial fishing operations. If you enjoy teamwork, physical work, and early mornings in the fresh air, this path could be a strong fit for you.

Job Description

As a deckhand (also called a fishing helper), you work on commercial fishing vessels across Ontario’s Great Lakes and inland waters. You Support the crew and captain with safe deck operations, handling and sorting fish, and maintaining gear. In Ontario, most commercial operations target species such as yellow perch, walleye (pickerel), lake whitefish, and smelt, using gear like trap nets and gill nets. Your work helps the crew land a quality product, comply with regulations, and maintain a safe, efficient deck.

Daily work activities

You start early—often before sunrise. You’ll help prepare the boat, Safety gear, and fishing equipment, then work with the crew to set and haul gear. Once the catch is on deck, you’ll sort, grade, and store fish on ice, record counts, and keep the deck clean and safe. Expect to tie lines, handle anchors and buoys, and Repair nets. Weather conditions and the fishery’s seasonal patterns will shape your days; when fish are running, hours are long.

Main tasks

  • Prepare, set, and retrieve nets or trap systems; bait traps when required
  • Sort, grade, and count fish; separate bycatch and species under size/limit according to rules
  • Handle fish carefully to maintain quality; bleed, dress, or ice product as directed
  • Record basic catch data for logbooks and regulatory reporting
  • Clean and sanitize the deck, bins, tools, and work surfaces
  • Tie knots, splice lines, mend nets, and repair basic gear
  • Handle lines during docking, undocking, and mooring; assist with fenders and anchors
  • Operate basic deck equipment and hand tools safely
  • Wear and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE); follow safety drills and procedures
  • Assist with navigation watch, lookout duties, and VHF radio checks as directed by the captain
  • Load/unload supplies, fuel, bait, and the catch
  • Follow Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) rules for species, sizes, and seasons

Required Education

You can start as a deckhand without formal postsecondary education. Most Training is on the job. However, completing short marine safety courses and first aid greatly improves your employability and safety. Some deckhands also take related college programs to broaden career options.

Diplomas

  • Certificate (Short Courses)
    • Marine Emergency Duties (MED) basic safety
    • Marine Basic First Aid (Transport Canada–recognized)
    • Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) — useful if you progress to operating small vessels
    • Workplace safety (e.g., WHMIS), cold-water safety, radio operator training (ROC-M)
  • College Diploma
    • Fish and Wildlife Technician or similar environmental programs (not required, but helpful for species ID, regulations, and career mobility)
  • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Not required for deckhand roles; useful if you plan to advance into fisheries Management, Compliance, or operations Leadership in the long term (e.g., biology, environmental studies)

Length of studies

  • Certificate courses: typically 1–5 days each (e.g., MED, Marine Basic First Aid, SVOP)
  • College Diploma: usually 2 years full-time
  • Bachelor’s Degree: usually 4 years full-time
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Where to study? (Ontario)

Note: For licensing, reporting, and regulatory context, get familiar with Ontario’s commercial fishing Information:

Salary and Working Conditions

In Ontario’s commercial fishing, pay varies by employer, lake, species, and the pay system used. You might be paid hourly, daily, or via a share of the catch. Seasonal availability of fish and weather can affect hours and earnings.

Entry-level vs experienced salary

  • Entry-level deckhands often earn at or above the prevailing local rate for physical outdoor work. Many Ontario deckhands start around the lower-to-mid hourly range typical for marine labour, with increases once you demonstrate reliability, safety awareness, and productivity.
  • Experienced deckhands and leads can move into higher hourly rates or more favourable catch-share arrangements, especially with multi-year experience, strong gear skills (net mending, knots, splicing), and additional certificates (e.g., MED, SVOP, ROC-M).
  • Some employers provide overtime opportunities during peak runs; others may smooth pay over the season. Benefits vary widely in this small, mostly family-run industry.

Important: Ontario’s minimum wage laws apply. For current rates, see the Government of Ontario’s official page:

Job outlook

Ontario’s commercial fishing sector is relatively small but stable, concentrated in Great Lakes communities (e.g., Lake Erie ports such as Port Dover, Wheatley, Kingsville/Leamington, Erieau; Lake Huron/Georgian Bay; parts of Lake Superior). Job openings are often seasonal and filled through local networks. Steady turnover occurs due to the physically demanding nature of the work and retirements.

For labour market trends and outlook, consult Government of Canada’s Job Bank and select Ontario for location:

Working conditions

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Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Reliability and work ethic: Show up early, ready to work in all conditions
  • Teamwork and communication: Take direction well; keep the deck safe through clear communication
  • Situational awareness: Read the deck, anticipate gear movement, and prevent incidents
  • Adaptability: Adjust to weather changes, variable catches, and vessel-specific routines
  • Attention to detail: Accurately sort, grade, record, and handle fish to maintain quality
  • Stress tolerance and resilience: Work calmly during high-intensity hauls

Hard skills

  • Deck operations: Line handling, knot tying (bowline, clove hitch, figure-eight), splicing, net mending
  • Gear handling: Setting/hauling nets or traps, handling buoys/anchors, baiting traps when required
  • Catch handling: Sorting by species and size; careful icing and stowage to maintain product quality
  • Species identification: Recognize key Ontario commercial species and regulated sizes
  • Basic seamanship: Safe movement on deck, lookout duties, understanding right-of-way basics
  • Safety and first aid: Use of PFDs/immersion suits; familiarity with MED procedures; basic first aid
  • Radio basics: VHF operation (ROC-M certificate is an asset)
  • Record-keeping: Logbook entries, catch counts, and compliance documents
  • Hygiene and sanitation: Clean and sanitize work areas to meet food-quality standards

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Quick entry: You can start with minimal formal schooling; employers value attitude and trainability
  • Active, outdoor work: You stay fit, work on the water, and enjoy sunrises on the Great Lakes
  • Skill-building: Learn practical marine skills transferable to other Maritime roles
  • Team environment: Small crews build strong camaraderie and trust
  • Career pathways: With experience and courses (MED, SVOP, ROC-M), you can move up to lead hand, small-vessel operator, or into logistics, processing, or gear technician roles

Disadvantages

  • Physical demands and risks: Heavy lifting, slippery decks, cold water, and fatigue hazards
  • Weather and seasonality: Inconsistent schedules and income variability during off-peak times
  • Early starts and long days: Not ideal if you prefer a set 9-to-5 routine
  • Limited openings: Small industry; jobs often filled via local networks and reputation
  • Variable benefits: Smaller employers may not offer extended benefits; always ask about coverage

Expert Opinion

If you want to break in as a Deckhand / Fishing Helper in Ontario, focus on three things: safety, reliability, and local networking. Start by obtaining short, recognized credentials—at minimum, complete Marine Emergency Duties (MED) and Marine Basic First Aid. These courses make you safer on Day 1 and show employers you’re serious. If you can, add ROC-M (VHF radio) and WHMIS. None of these are complicated or long, and they significantly improve your hireability.

Next, build your availability around the season. Employers appreciate people who can work early mornings and adjust to wind and weather. If you live near a fishing port (e.g., Wheatley, Port Dover, Erieau, Kingsville/Leamington, Port Stanley, or along Georgian Bay), visit docks in person and introduce yourself respectfully during non-peak times. Bring a one-page resume that highlights any hands-on labour experience (Construction, landscaping, Warehouse), evidence of reliability (sports, volunteering), and your safety courses. Wear proper deck-safe footwear if you’re invited aboard for a quick chat.

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Learn the basics ahead of time: key knots, how to coil lines, and how to move safely on deck. Practice communication—short, clear phrases matter when the deck gets busy. Read Ontario’s commercial fishing rules to understand why sorting, sizes, and bycatch control are important:

Finally, treat your first season as a paid apprenticeship. Ask to learn net mending, gear Maintenance, and record-keeping. Show you can maintain quality in fish handling (icing, clean bins, good hygiene). Your attitude, awareness, and care for product quality will be noticed and rewarded.

FAQ

Do I need a personal fishing licence to work as a deckhand in Ontario?

No. Commercial fishing is licensed at the business/vessel level through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). As a deckhand, you work under the licence held by your employer. You are, however, expected to follow all catch, size, and reporting rules while on duty. Learn more about Ontario commercial fishing here:

What gear should I bring on my first day?

Ask your employer first. In general, bring:

  • Waterproof Steel-toe or safety-toe boots with good grip
  • Warm, moisture-wicking layers and a windproof/waterproof outer shell
  • Work gloves (rubber/insulated for wet handling; cut-resistant for knife work)
  • A wool/fleece hat and sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • A refillable water bottle and high-energy snacks
    Commercial vessels supply Transport Canada–required safety gear (e.g., PFDs), but many deckhands prefer to buy their own comfortable, approved PFD for daily wear.

Which Ontario communities offer the most opportunities?

Opportunities cluster around Great Lakes ports. In Ontario, many commercial fisheries are centered on Lake Erie (e.g., Wheatley, Kingsville/Leamington, Port Dover, Erieau, Port Stanley), with additional operations on Lake Huron/Georgian Bay and parts of Lake Superior. Contacting local operators directly is common. The Ontario Commercial Fisheries’ Association lists industry information and contacts:

How can I improve my chances of getting hired with no experience?

  • Complete short safety courses first: MED, Marine Basic First Aid, and WHMIS
  • Learn and practice three to five key knots (bowline, clove hitch, sheet bend, figure-eight)
  • Get comfortable with line handling and coiling
  • Prepare a short resume that highlights reliability and physical work experience
  • Visit docks in person during non-peak hours and be ready to start early in the season
  • Be clear about your availability and willingness to work variable hours
    For safety training and certificates, start here:
  • Transport Canada – Marine Emergency Duties: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/marine-emergency-duties-med
  • Canadian Red Cross (First Aid): https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification

What rules and safety practices should I know before I start?

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