INTRODUCTION: Fishing is a common means of obtaining raw materials for the food industry and drives a large economic market. OBJECTIVES: This field study aimed to evaluate functional health and work overload in artisanal fishermen. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 42 workers from Zone 18 fishing community in Passo de Torres, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The collected data included presence of pain and its location on a Corlett body diagram, pain severity measured with a visual analog scale, perceived exertion measured with a Borg scale, and grip and lumbar strength measured with dynamometers. RESULTS: Forty percent of fishermen had low back pain and 26% had low back muscle weakness. Perceived exertion was greater in the activity of pulling out the fishing net. DISCUSSION: This professional category requires greater attention with health policies that consider the actual context of their job.