Longline fishing is a fishing method using a long line with baited hooks attached at intervals by means of branch lines called “snoods”. Longline fishing is in scientific terms regarded as a LIFE (Low Impact Fuel Efficient) harvesting method, and is one of the most sustainable ways to harvest wild fish from the ocean. In addition, when the fish comes on board one at the time, the processing of the fish can be done swiftly and gently, providing an excellent quality highly appreciated by the consumers and retailers are using it as a sales argument. Autolining is combining 500 year traditional longlining with modern technology to increase efficiency, improve working condition whilst preserving the quality of fish and sustainable fishing.

With a Mustad Autoline system all the hooks and line are stored on magazines. The size and quantity of these magazines vary depending on the vessel’s size and needs. After the buoy line and anchor have been deployed, the swivelline and hooks are pulled through the automatic baiting machine at a rate dependent on the vessel’s speed. The most advanced baiting machine can deploy 6 hooks per second at a baiting percentage averaging 95 – 97%. After soaking time the hauling process begins. The hooks and line are pulled over a sideroller where a crewmember helps the fish come on board, checking gear and controlling the hauling speed. Subsequently the hooks and line continue through the hook cleaner and linehauler before being passed in the HookSeparator to be loaded onto the magazines. The crew will then make sure that the line and hooks are properly hung and stored. At this time snoods, hooks and swivels are replaced as needed. The gear is now ready to be set again. The hauling process takes 80 – 85% of the time while the baiting and setting process is much faster using an autobaiting system.

Longline fishing has long been marked by hard work, skepticism, and perseverance. Despite changing times and repeated predictions of its demise, it has endured. Resistance to new equipment was strong, something evident as early as 1625, when farmers in Giske protested against longline fishing, claiming it led to moral decay.

In 1861, two Swedish boats were driven ashore in Ålesund and discovered the legendary fishing grounds of Storegga. Their catches marked the beginning of an “era” of longline fishing in Sunnmøre and Romsdal.

Longline fishing remained demanding, baiting by hand, little sleep, and sore fingers were part of daily life. Innovations like the coiling device and baiting machine were initially met with skepticism but were gradually accepted. Veteran Petter Vattøy trained young fishermen and taught them tricks like quick power nap between shifts.

The development of the baiting machine began in the early 1900s but picked up speed in the 1970s. Visionaries like Konrad Haram and Ole Alvestad patented early models. Companies like O. Mustad & Son and Trio later took over development, with mixed success at first. Through trial and error -often thanks to self-taught mechanics and stubborn fishermen, progress was made.

Pioneer vessels like Saltstein, Førde, and Geir tested and improved baiting machines. Key breakthroughs included adjustments for bent hooks and ensuring the bait stayed on, even in rough seas. Eventually, the success of the baiting machine revitalized the fleet and made fishing more appealing to younger generations.

Political support, – such as the introduction of a 200-nautical-mile economic zone in the 1970s, was also crucial. Longline fishing proved to be both sustainable and environmentally friendly. While areas like Troms shifted to trawling and shrimp fishing, Sunnmøre and Sogn og Fjordane modernized their longline fleets.

The longline fleet shrank in number but became more technologically advanced. Boats became larger, more stable, and more comfortable. Innovations like the moon-pool, a well that allows the line to be hauled through the center of the boat, improved both safety and workflow.

Even with automation, challenges remained, such as sore hands and inconsistent baiting results. But creativity and determination kept the industry moving forward.

Today, Norway’s longline fleet is among the most advanced in the world. Mechanization has eased physical labor and improved fish quality. Still, the developement continues.

As Laurits Alnes once said: “When the lines are dry, poverty isn’t far from the door.”
That saying still holds true, and reminds us of the delicate balance between tradition, innovation, and survival at sea.

Excerpt of the book: “Håp I hengende snøre” by Knut Arne Høyvik