Coastal System

• 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 

 “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

“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

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.