FAQs

Hookpods encapsulate the point and barb of a baited hook and protect it from scavenging seabirds during line setting operations. Once the hook reaches 20m depth a mechanical pressure release mechanism is triggered that releases the baited hook. Hookpods remain attached to the branchline and are simply closed during hauling and stored in the setting bins; ready for the next set.

There are two types of Hookpod that are effective at preventing seabird bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries: the Hookpod LED which contains a built in LED fishing light (that remains lit while the pod is open) and the Hookpod Mini which is smaller, lighter and without a LED.

Fig. 1. Relative size and features of the Hookpod LED (69g) and Hookpod-mini (49g)

It is easiest to attach Hookpods to the branchline when building gear i.e. before crimping the hook on. They can be retro fitted to the branchline, but it takes a little more time (see instruction sheet).

No, Hookpods will be open when hauled and they simply need a quick shake (flick of the wrist) to ensure no water remains in the air chamber before they are then closed and stored in the setting bin (see instruction sheet for storage options).

No, it usually takes a few sets for the crew to get used to loading the point/barb of the hook into the Hookpod (done by pressing the hook against the spring loaded doors at the bottom of the device). But after a few sets this becomes a seamless part of setting operations and will not slow down setting times.

Hookpods will not affect your target catch rate, whether you would normally hide the barb of the hook inside the bait or not. We have trialled Hookpods in pelagic longline fisheries around the world and fishermen have never reported a reduction in target catch. In some cases they even note a slight lift in catch (see testimonials at end of this document).

The initial set up of a vessel will require a Hookpod on every branchline, so for a vessel with 1000 hooks the price would normally be around $5000 USD for Hookpod Minis and $10,000 USD for Hookpod LED’s. However, discounts are available for bulk orders and fleet-based orders may be eligible for further negotiation on pricing.

Pricing is currently under review and if you are interested in using Hookpod but have a limited budget, talk to us and we may have options available for funding.

Both types of Hookpod have the potential to reduce bait loss and increase the amount of baits available to target species. They also save money by reducing or even removing the need for weighted swivels or tori lines.

Hookpod LED saves significant outgoings on the use of chemical plastic lightsticks.

Over the course of one year, the potential savings made by a vessel using Hookpod LED are over $10,000 USD.

The Hookpod has been globally trialled, most extensively in national waters around Australia, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and Uruguay with positive results for both reducing seabird bycatch and maintaining target catch rates. In New Zealand and Brazil, Hookpods have been used in a commercial setting for extended periods and zero seabird deaths have been recorded on line setting to date.

Hookpods have been successfully trialled on high seas longliners operating a Japanese setting system. Due to the unique conveyor belt system to deliver branchlines during line setting, some further testing is required to refine the setting process. But on high seas vessels that set from hook bins there are no complications.

Hookpod Minis have lasted longer than 3 years in commercial operations in New Zealand.

Replacement Hookpods, which include those that are lost or fail will be required at low levels. Fishermen in New Zealand who have undertaken the most extensive commercial use have recorded a replacement rate of less than 0.5%.

The Hookpod LED may have a slightly higher replacement rate due to it’s electrical components (e.g. battery and circuit board). This cannot be confirmed, due to lack of current widespread use. But past trials with the device show a replacement rate of around 1%.

Both models are manufactured and tested prior to shipping to ensure a reliability of >99%.

Replacement pods can either be ordered as a set amount to be delivered with the initial order; as required; or a package of timed deliveries can be established to ensure a continual supply when a vessel is in port.

The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels approved hook-shielding and Hookpods as ‘best-practice mitigation for pelagic longlining at the Tenth Meeting of the Advisory Committee Wellington, New Zealand 11 – 15 September 2017. The paper can be seen here.

Hookpod was approved by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in December 2018 at the Convention of the Parties in Honolulu, Hawaii. The full Conservation Measure 2018-03 can be seen here and states that the Hookpod can be used on its own, as opposed to a range of other approved measures which must be used in conjunction with another product to reduce seabird bycatch in pelagic longlining.

In January 2020, New Zealand amended its fishery regulations for pelagic (surface) longlining to be in line with those of the WCPFC. The detail of the circular can be seen here.

Hookpods are approved for standalone use in the high seas areas governed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and in the national waters around New Zealand and Australia.

Weighted swivels have been reported to fly-back at high velocities when the line is broken under tension, becoming a highly dangerous projectile. These fly-back incidents have been the cause of at least 10 reported injuries and three reported fatalities between 1994 and 2014 in six jurisdictions.

Whilst Hookpods cannot claim to prevent these incidences occurring and therefore do not remove the potential for injury, they have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of injury. Hookpods have never been recorded to cause an injury to crew. However, it is always vital that crew maintain all standard safety procedures whilst operating longlines with Hookpods.

No. Hookpods are triggered by depth alone and they are not affected in any way by wind or weather conditions.

Orders can be placed on the Hookpod website. Get in touch via our our contact page or direct to Becky Ingham at becky@hookpod.com or Steve Hunter at steve@hookpod.com who will also be able to discuss any available discounts.

Hookpods are available to order with a 12-week guaranteed lead time and can be shipped to any address worldwide.

Hookpod Ltd have expertise available to share and are able to offer support to customers either remotely or in situ with a short notice period and covering of travel expenses. There is an instructional video available which has full instructions and a demonstration of how to set them up.

Read more from fishers who use our product on our testimonials.