Baiting with Mustad Autoline AutoBaiter

AutoBaiting

The Mustad Autoline AutoBaiter is a machine that automates the baiting process, making longline fishing faster and more efficient. Hooks and line are pulled from storage magazines and fed through the baiting machine before being deployed over the stern.

Bait is placed on a spiked conveyor chain and fed into the machine, where the hooks trigger a knife that cuts the bait into pre-set sizes. The AutoBaiter ensures accurate baiting, with each piece being “double hooked” to keep it securely in place.

MA BM 6000 E-Line

MA BM 3400 E-Line

Advanced models can bait up to six hooks per second with an accuracy of 95–97%. The system is simple to operate, requiring just one crew member to feed bait onto the conveyor chain.

The quality and thawing of baitfish are critical. Proper thawing ensures the bait has the right texture, making it easier for the baiting machine to work efficiently. Different types of baitfish are used worldwide, and some species are better suited for this method than others.

Place mackerel, sauri and herring on the conveyor chain of the baiting machine with their backs down and their heads facing the knife. Press the fish down firmly onto the spikes until you feel them penetrate the skin on the fish. Hold the fish there until it goes under the first pressure plate. You may have to straighten the fish out, so that it is in contact with the spikes. It is important to let the fish overlap, otherwise you will get poor baiting between each baitfish.

Mackerel fillets should be placed with the skin side facing the spikes on the conveyor chain.

Squid must be well straightened out and pressed firmly onto the spikes with their tail facing the knife. Chop off the tentacles of large squid. They are in the way and will not be hooked in any case. Very large squid must be cut in half.

A mixture of bait

Sometimes it’s an advantage to dress a line with a mixture of bait – a mixture of mackerel and squid for example. Mackerel probably disperses more scent, while squid lasts longer on the hook. Dressing is used a great deal when fishing for cod but check this out locally and find out what to use.

Illustration of a “double hooked” bait to keep it securely in place on the hook.