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