From learning curve to success: Steve Ryan, Henry and Jim Thorne’s investments in new fishing technology delivers. Newfoundland, Canada.
In late February, five Newfoundland fishing companies joined a delegation visiting Iceland and Norway to gain further insight into modern autoline fisheries and best practices across the value chain.
Among them was Steve Ryan, owner of the vessel Lasting Tradition, who invested in Mustad equipment in 2019 and has operated the system every year since. Also participating were the brothers Henry Thorne and Jim Thorne, owners of Thornes Enterprises, which operates two vessels — one, the Atlantic Voyager, equipped with the Mustad Autoline Coastal System and now entering its fourth season.
Steve Ryan was among the first in his region to invest in the system; “Being one of the first boats to bring this technology into our area meant there was a learning curve. It took time to adjust to a new fishing process, but today the system is running smoothly. The crew is comfortable with it — and honestly, it has proven easier on them than we expected. We are very pleased with the investment and feel well prepared for larger quotas.”
The decision to invest was driven by long-term planning. “When we realized cod was returning to our waters after nearly 30 years, we knew we had to think ahead. We did extensive research to find the best method to catch cod sustainably while delivering the highest possible quality. We wanted to be ready before the fishery truly took off — to take the learning curve early. After evaluating our options, we chose Mustad, and we all agree – it is a better way to fish.” States both Steve, Jim and Henry.
Operating in seasonal fisheries, flexibility is critical. The brothers Henry and Jim,describe the system as highly adaptable between fisheries. “It’s easy to take on and off the vessel between seasons — almost plug and play,” says Jim.
Their visit to Iceland and Norway marked an important next step. Henry stated,“We needed a few years to truly understand and optimize the system. Now we’re ready to learn from those who have decades of experience.”
They were particularly impressed by the strong quality focus throughout the entire value chain.”The infrastructure is remarkable, and every step is centered around delivering the best possible fish quality. We were impressed not only by their professionalism, but by how openly they shared their knowledge.” Says Henry.
While Newfoundland has strong fisheries traditions, the group returns home inspired. “We have excellent fisheries back home, but there is always something to learn. We’re returning with inspiration and courage to keep improving.” Henry continues.
Support from Mustad Autoline has been an important part of their journey — something all three readily agree on. “If something happens, we get the assistance we need. They provide assurance and a sense of security. It feels like a long-term partnership,” says Steve.
They also highlight the strong collaborative spirit among fishermen in Newfoundland, where close to 60 vessels now operate with Mustad Autoline systems. “There’s a strong network among fishermen. We share experiences, discuss solutions, and help each other succeed,” Henry explains.
Processing companies have also seen the benefits. Fishing with longlines, there is significantly less damage to the fish compared to gillnets.
All three — Henry, Jim, and Steven — agree that 2025 has been their best year to date, and they are confident that 2026 will be even better. Looking ahead, optimism remains strong.
Mustad Autoline Canada Inc, St. Johns, Newfoundland: kerwin.wellon@mustadautoline.com
Henry Thorne, who together with his brother Jim operates two vessels — one, the Atlantic Voyager, equipped with the Mustad Autoline Coastal System and now entering its fourth season.
Steve Ryan, owner of the vessel Lasting Tradition, was among the first in his region to invest in the system. After an initial learning curve, the crew now finds the technology easy to operate — and the investment has proven worthwhile as they prepare for larger quotas.
Newfoundland; Glen Best - I’ve seen firsthand how technology can transform our fishing operations. That’s why autolining is our preferred method for harvesting cod.
As co-owner of four family-owned fishing vessels – including two multi species vessels FV Donald’s Legacy and FV Nautical Prince – equipped with Mustad Autoline Coastal Systems, I have experienced first hand the impact technology can make to our fishing operations. In 2025, we had exceptional year in our cod fishery, with a 300% increase over our best year since acquiring the Mustad technology. With cod quotas expected to rise I feel our business is well positioned with the investment we have made into Mustad Coastal Systems.
Investing in Autoline gear has been a good decision in diversifying our business. We felt for some years that the return of commercial cod fishing was near. It is a clean and bottom friendly gear with minimal bycatch. When a trip ends, all gear is back on board and ready for the next trip. The system gives us the flexibility to switch between fisheries within a day – a major advantage on a multi – species vessel.
Fish are caught one by one, bled immediately, and handled with care. This process gives us the ability to land premium quality and helps secure the best price for our catch. The equipment is robust, reliable, and low maintenance. The auto baiter baits each hook individually at high speed, ensuring consistent and efficient operations.
Service and support have been outstanding. Kerwin Wellon has provided excellent guidance throughout our journey, and service engineer Hallgeir keeps our system finely tuned and performing at its best.
Our decision to invest in the Mustad Autoline system came at a pivotal time. The cod stocks are finally returning to our waters after over 30 years of moratorium, and we knew that diversification was key to continued success. Auto lining is environmentally sustainable, less labour intensive, and backed with a brand with strong reputation and proven success. I have known of Mustad for years and after meeting with Kerwin we felt that this technology was the right path for the future.
Today we operate with crew of seven. While we are still learning and still figuring out ways to become better, the system runs very efficiently. Our vessels fish up to four days out of Newfoundland, setting approximately 12000 hooks per day. Auto lining is an efficient and responsible way to fish. Our goal is simple: deliver high quality seafood from sustainable fisheries with minimal impact on the environment we rely on, and achieve the best possible value for our catch.
We are continuously improving. Together with Mustad Autoline we visited experienced fishermen in Iceland and Norway to learn from industry leaders how to enhance our harvesting and processing through new technology with the goal of quality and efficiency. To compete in the future means investing in innovation – and for us auto lining is the way forward. Mustad’s logo sums it up. A better way to fish!
Glen Best, Co-owner, Newfoundland
Mustad Autoline Canada Inc.: Kerwin Wellon, kw@mustadautoline.com
Hauling with Mustad Autoline hauling unit
FV Nautical Prince, equiped with Mustad Autoline System
Blew My Mind! - This Is the Future of Cod Fishing! Dion Rydell, Mustad Autline Coastal system, Newfoundland, Canada
When we first started fishing with the Mustad Autoline Coastal system about 6–7 years ago, it honestly blew my mind how smooth and efficient it was. For me, it completely changed the way we fish for cod — and now I wouldn’t want to do it any other way,” says Dion Randell, owner and skipper of the TNT Voyager, a 65ft vessel fishing cod out of Newfoundland, Canada.
Fishing with around 13,000 hooks onboard, the results have been impressive. On one 3-day trip with a crew of six, they landed 65,000 pounds of gutted cod — a catch they’re very proud of.
“We were one of the first companies to invest in an Autoline system after the cod returned to our waters. Besides cod, we also fish for crab, shrimp, and turbot. The system has really become a key part of our operation.”
Now Dion and his son are considering investing in another Autoline system for their smaller vessel, the Buds Legacy.
“This is the future of cod fishing for me,” Dion says.
Dion recently visited Mustad Autoline in Iceland and toured the factory in Norway to learn more about the technology and gain new ideas to keep developing his business.
Mustad Autoline is represented by Kerwin Wellon in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
There’s no doubt! - the electric coastal baiting machine is ten times better than the hydraulic version.” - new statement from the skipper and owner Ólafur Einarsson, Øksnes, Norway – Autoline vessel Einar
"We have now operated the electric baiting machine from Mustad Autoline for one year (Number of hooks through the machine; 3 740 178). During this period, we have only replaced four knives. The reason was that the motor initially delivered too much torque (Nm), which caused the knives to break. The motor torque is now adjusted to the correct leval.
Our overall experience has been very positive. There is no question that Mustad has developed a machine that is significantly improved — at least ten times better than the hydraulic version.
E-Line AutoBaiter – Mustad Autoline
https://vimeo.com/1136882479
Mustad Autoline E-Line system; Greetings from Chief Engineer Sebastian Gustafsson at M/S Fiskenes
We are keeping more of the larger fish on the line during hauling
E-Line Coastal system; Feedback from skipper and owner Ólafur Einarsson, Øksnes, Norway – Autoline vessel Einar (25,000 hooks)
Skipper and vessel owner Ólafur Einarsson from Øksnes shares his experience after upgrading his autoline vessel Einar with the E-Line Coastal system.
“We switched to the E-Line PLS control system, hook separator, and baiting machine about a year ago.
Our experience has been very positive. The system runs smoothly and quietly, without the need for hydraulics or oil, and with lower maintenance costs compared to the old hydraulic system.
The ability to set the exact bait size makes it possible to optimize operations and reduce bait consumption, as every hook is baited precisely and consistently each time.
Also, we can set with more speed than before, and with much better baiting when the boat speeds up and "runs with the big waves".
Previously, with the hydraulic system, we set at 5.5 knots, but now with the electric machine we set at 6.5–7 knots and achieve 98% baiting.
We have also received excellent follow-up and support from the Mustad Autoline service team throughout the year.
I am very satisfied and can truly recommend converting to electric machines and the new control system – this is the future!”
E-Line AutoBaiter – Mustad Autoline
https://vimeo.com/1136882479
The fishing vessels Panituaq and Nanuvik: Greenland, fishing with Mustad Autoline Handy Mag system
Ernst Lund, owner of two vessels fishing for cod and halibut with Mustad Autoline system since 2018. "Mustad Autoline makes our work easier and more efficient. Mustad Autoline is quality - the best og the best!" he says.
The vessels Panituaq and Nanuvik both equiped with Mustad Autoline HandyMag systems fishing outside of Upernavik in Greenland with a crew of 4 each vessel.
CAP KERSAINT, Toothfish Longliner - "Robust gear, real people: Mustad keeps us fishing strong"
“Working with Mustad is simply comfortable. They are reliable, available and attentive, with the responsiveness and flexibility of a craftsman and the professionalism of a large group. Their human-scale structure ensures a direct, privileged relationship with our contacts. Their equipment is robust, well designed, and meets our requirements perfectly. The Cap Kersaint fishing rig is now 100% Mustad, as was that on our previous vessel. We’ve been working with them for over 20 years, and we don’t expect that to change !”
Mr. Tugdual Poirier
Directeur Exploitation
Cap Bourbon S.A.
HAUGE JR; "The gutting and heading machine has become essential to our onboard operations" - Even Hauge, Hauge Kystfiske AS, Norway
We rely on the Havfront machine – it’s become essential on board
Even Hauge from Hauge Kystfiske AS, operating the 14.99m gillnetter Hauge Junior, shares his experience:
“We’ve become completely dependent on the Havfront Loppa heading and gutting machine on board. I bought my first Loppa in 2018, and there was no doubt I would choose the same machine for our new vessel in 2020.
We mainly use it for ling, tusk, haddock, saithe, and pollack. The machine processes fish twice as fast over a long haul and never gets tired – the crew finish the day without sore shoulders or arms.
We really appreciate the adjustable cutting length, and while everything has a cost, sick leave costs more – and we’ve had very little of that.
Tip: It’s worth designing the setup to include conveyor belts and other systems to make the workflow on board even more efficient.”
HAVFRONT FOLLA, - at a gutting bench staffed with 8–9 people, there are now 3 people after the FOLLA machines were installed. Kristoffer Karlsen, Br. Karlsen AS, Husøy Senja
After integrating the FOLLA machines from HAVFRONT into our processing facilities in 2023, we’ve seen a significant improvement in both efficiency and consistency. What used to require 8–9 people at the gutting bench is now handled by just three. The machines deliver precise, uniform cuts that are better and more accurate than manual work, and they’ve greatly reduced the amount of heavy manual labor. We’re satisfied with the results and already planning to install two more machines to further increase our capacity.
– Kristoffer Karlsen, Br. Karlsen AS, Husøy Senja
