Fishing is often a learn-as-you-go industry. But when it comes to investing in your operation, the more you know ahead of time, the better business decisions you'll make. So you ask around, search the internet, and give it your best shot, right?

What if there was an easier way?

How do I do this?!

We created this course because trying to find information on the business side of commercial fishing has always been a frustrating experience - until now.

  • How do I buy a boat? Where do I get the money? How do I protect myself?

  • What is IFQ? How does it work? Can I buy it? How much should I buy?

  • How do salmon permits work? Will I be able to get financing to buy one? Should I lease one?

  • What about taxes? Should I start an LLC? What other paperwork do I need?

  • How am I supposed to figure all of this out? And keep up with everything?!

Who? What? Why?

Nice to Meet You

Sisters Maddie and Molly were raised in a commercial fishing family in Homer, Alaska - the halibut capital of the world. They now work together at the family business, Alaska Boats & Permits, which was founded by their dad, Doug Bowen, in 1997 and has grown to be Alaska's largest marine brokerage.

Maddie Lightsey

Maddie studied political science and international affairs at the University of Colorado before making her way back home to join the family business. She is on the board of the North Pacific Fisheries Association, completed the North Pacific Marine Resource Education Program, and has spoken at the Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit, the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association's Expo, and the Bristol Bay Fish Expo, and organized other informational sessions and workshops for commercial fishermen. Maddie is passionate about breaking down barriers to entry in the commercial fishing industry and helping new operators invest in their fisheries. She particularly enjoys the policy and regulatory side of the industry, regularly attending BOF, NPFMC, and IPHC meetings.

Molly Bowen

Molly attended New York University in Florence, Italy, the University of Colorado, and the University of Alaska. She spent a few summers fishing for sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska. After school, she solo backpacked around Eastern Europe before moving back to Alaska and starting at Alaska Boats & Permits where she puts the determination and grit she's known for to use helping fishermen invest in their operations. Outside of work, Molly is an outdoor enthusiast, an avid artist, and an endless adventure seeker.

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. About You

    3. Before We Get Started

    1. Lesson 1: State vs. Federal Fisheries

    2. Lesson 2: Fishing Areas

    3. Lesson 3: Species & Seasons

    4. Lesson 4: Federal Agencies & Regulatory Bodies

    5. Lesson 5: State Agencies & Regulatory Bodies

    6. Lesson 6: Fisheries Regulation, Management & Enforcement

    7. Quiz #1

    1. Lesson 7: Top Level Overview

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Lesson 8: Expert Advice

    3. Quiz #2

    4. Lesson 9: Limited Entry Permits

    5. Lesson 10: Buying, Selling & Leasing Permits

    6. Quiz #3

    7. Lesson 11: IFQs Explained

    8. Lesson 12: Buying, Selling & Leasing Quota

    9. Quiz #4

    10. Lesson 13: Open Access Fisheries

    11. Lesson 14: Buying a Boat

    12. Lesson 15: Never Ending To-Do Lists

    13. Quiz #5

    14. Lesson 16: Selling a Boat

    15. Lesson 17: Business Structures

    16. Lesson 18: Taxes & Finances

    17. Quiz #6

    18. Lesson 19: Stay Informed & Advocate for Your Fisheries

    19. Lesson 20: Resources for Substance Use Disorder

    1. What's Next?

    2. Share Your Thoughts

What's included

  • $697.00
  • 31 lessons
  • PDFs, spreadsheets & more!

There's never a better time than now.

I'm ready

Payment Plans

Looking for a payment plan? We've got options.

We offer three different payment methods. For the best value, choose the "pay in full or installments" option below. This allows you to make one full payment today OR to choose from Affirm, Afterpay, or Klarna at checkout to get started for as little as $60/month. If these payment providers don't work for you, we also offer an in-house 3-month payment plan.

This course is for you if:

✓   You're a commercial fisherman in Alaska

✓   You're considering making the leap from deckhand to captain

✓   You already have your own operation and are looking to diversify

✓   You don't feel you quite have a handle on how all of this works yet

✓   You're trying to decide whether or not to upgrade and need the financial tools to help guide you

This course is NOT for you if:

✗   You're already veteran owner/operator well versed in these processes

✗   You don't care about running a business, all you care about is fishing

✗   You have a thorough understanding of the business, regulatory, and management aspects of fishing

✗   You're looking for someone to management your business for you

✗   You're looking for legal or financial advice specific to your specific operation and numbers

Ready to dive in?

For the best value, pay in full today OR select Affirm, Afterpay, or Klarna as your payment method at checkout to pay in installments! If that's not your jam, choose our easy 3-month payment plan.

FAQ

  • Are there deadlines? How long does it take?

    This is a self-paced, so you can binge it quickly or take as long as you need. No deadlines, no time limit!

  • How long do I have access to the course?

    You have lifetime access!

  • Are there assignments or quizzes?

    There are a few quizzes for you to test your knowledge, but your scores do not affect the outcome of this course. There are no assignments.

  • Can I purchase this course as a gift for someone?

    Absolutely! Add the course to your cart and select "this is a gift" at checkout. Note that in order to purchase as a gift, you'll need to either pay in full or select a third party installment option at checkout. Gift purchases are not available through our in-house 3 month payment plan.

  • Do you offer discounts for bulk enrollments?

    Yes! Please reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Due to the nature of digital products, and our confidence in this course, we do not offer refunds. Please make sure you are 100% committed before enrolling. We are happy to answer any questions you have to make sure this course is a good fit for you before you purchase.

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