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
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.
DUDDI GíSLA: Iceland’s 12-meter coastal fishing marvel with a 650-ton annual haul
The coastal fishing vessel Dúddi Gísla (MMSI: 251776000), owned by Besa EHF in Iceland, is a 12-meter fiberglass boat built by Trefjar, 2021. The vessel operates with the Mustad Autoline coastal system, enabling it to catch approximately 650 tons annually in Icelandic fishing grounds.
Kristinn Kárason, the skipper since 2000, praises the boat for its exceptional performance, noting that it has proven to be incredibly reliable over the years. The crew takes excellent care of the vessel, ensuring its continued success. The boat operates with 14,000 hooks and a dedicated crew of four. This Dúddi Gísla is the third vessel to bear the name and continues the tradition of excellence in Icelandic coastal fishing.”
— Kristinn Kárason, Skipper, Vessel Dúddi Gísla
VISIR's modern fleet with Mustad Autoline Systems ensures efficient, sustainable fishing
Vísir is a well-established, dynamic, and forward-thinking Icelandic fishing company committed to responsible longline fishing, high-tech processing, and exceptional product quality. We operate a modern fleet of vessels, all equipped with Mustad Autoline systems, which enable us to fish efficiently and sustainably.
The Mustad systems are known for their durability and reliability, consistently performing year after year. What truly sets Mustad apart, is the outstanding support we receive whenever it’s needed. Their service team is not only highly skilled but also incredibly dependable. I can always count on them for expert assistance, ensuring smooth operations for our fleet.”
— Benedikt Páll Jónsson, Skipper, Vessel Páll Jónsson
EINHAMAR Seafood, one of the leading fresh fish producers in Iceland
Pálmi Fannar Smárason, 1 mate on Auður Vésteins at Einhamar Seafood since 2006, shares his satisfaction with the Mustad Autoline Coastal system, which has been integral to their operations since 2003. He notes that the system is incredibly easy to operate and offers low maintenance costs, making it a perfect fit for their needs. The company is now looking forward to the upcoming electric upgrade of the system with great anticipation.
Einhamar Seafood operates several vessels, including Gísli Súrsson GK-8, Auður Vésteins SU-88, and Vésteinn GK-88, all equipped with the Mustad Autoline Coastal system. These boats, each approximately 15 meters long, have a combined capacity of over 60,000 hooks. The fleet operates year-round, landing their catch approximately 500-600 times annually. The company specializes in landing cod and haddock for processing.
Founded in 2003, Einhamar Seafood is now one of the leading fresh fish producers in Iceland. They focus on producing high-quality cod and haddock products from the finest sustainable fish stocks around Iceland.
LIVE ELISE, - fishing with Mustad Autoline Coastal full time
- Why did you choose Autoline and Mustad Autoline?
I chose Mustad Autoline because it was the first option that came to mind when I started planning for an autoline system. I know it has been tested and proven in every possible way. At the same time, I know that many boats use their systems, making it easier to inquire about challenges and operational questions. We chose autoline to streamline operations, reduce costs, and make the crew’s workdays easier. - Are you satisfied with the system, and does it meet your expectations?
I am very satisfied with the system, and in my opinion, it exceeds expectations. Here, I must highlight the excellent cooperation with both the salespeople and the service staff. - What impresses you the most about the Autoline system on board?
It’s impressive how user-friendly the autoline system is in operation. The solutions for performing the tasks are well thought out, and it’s easy to keep clean. What I expected to be a major challenge—the baiting machine, its maintenance, and upkeep—has turned out to be worry-free. It’s very straightforward to keep everything running smoothly, and if something does come up, I know the service technician is just a phone call away. - You’re building a new boat now; was it an easy decision to choose autoline for this boat as well?
Yes, absolutely! We are taking the experiences from the old boat and improving the setup on board to increase efficiency with more storage capacity and a larger number of hooks. - Would you make the same choice again compared to manual baiting or using nets, etc.?
Yes, absolutely! Manual baiting works very well if there are only a few crew members on the boat and is ideal for that scenario. But in my opinion, if you have more than 2–3 crew members on small boats, an autoline system is a must. I would absolutely choose Mustad Autoline again!
Robert Brun, Stø in Norway 2021 – Coastal fisherman 😊 Vessel: Live Elise, 10,99 m
NORLINER, fishing with Mustad Autoline Coastal System since 2012
“The fishing boat «Norliner» (N-54-Ø), based in Øksnes municipality in Nordland in Norway, is a 10-meter vessel that has been operating with Mustad Autoline coastal system since 2012. For us, it is much more flexible and easier to use Autoline, and we will never go back to using traditional longlines. If it ever became an issue, I might as well quit fishing, says Sævar Gudjonsson. We handle most of the maintenance ourselves, which also makes our daily operations easier.
I got involved in the boat’s operation in 2014, and in 2016 we bought the Norliner.
Sævar Gudjonsson
DUKAT, Mustad Autoline Coastal - The installation of the MA HV 50 has improved my workday significantly
“Æ har no drevet med linefiske heile livet, og etter at æ fikk installert Mustad Autoline HV-50 på båten for fem år sia, så blei alt bra mykkje likar,” sier Arnfinn Mikalsen. «Arbeidsstillinga om bord blei mykkje bedre, og det blei merkbart mindre støy»
“I installed the Mustad Autoline HV-50 hauling unit on my boat five years ago, and since then, everything has improved significantly,” says Arnfinn Mikalsen. The working conditions on board became much more comfortable, and the noise levels were noticeably reduced.
Arnfinn has enjoyed consistent support from Mustad over the years and has maintained a great dialogue with the company. He was even involved in the development and testing phases of the HV-50 hauler. He describes it as solid and user-friendly, although perhaps a bit long for the smallest coastal vessels—a suggestion for future development.
Arnfinn Jarl Mikalsen, Båtsfjord – Coastal fisherman 😊 Vessel: Dukat, 35 feet
HandyMag storage system: smart, space-saving design for storage of hooks and line
We have the capacity to set and haul up to 7,000 hooks per day. Initially, we operate with a crew of two to three people, but as we refine our processes and incorporate best practices, we streamline operations to a two-person crew. The Coastal HandyMag storage system is specifically designed for smaller boats, typically around 30 feet (9–10 meters). Hooks and lines are stored in one-meter magazines and manually retrieved during setting and hauling. This system is both space-efficient and user-friendly, making it easy to operate even on compact vessels.
For short periods, we also fish for crab. The Autoline system is installed in a way that allows for quick and seamless reconfiguration, making it easy to switch between different fisheries, such as crab fishing.
Catch and season
Our catch includes haddock, halibut, catfish, and bream, in addition to cod. With our new equipment, we can now operate a longline fishery year-round.
“I’m optimistic about the future” says Morten Gressmyr, Vadsø.
