In spring 2007 AFW Fabrications were approached by Clive Baker a well known local Fisherman, with an idea to build him a Fish Stripper. Part of the idea was that it would be suitable to strip Pollock, Mackerel, Cod and Squid in a controlled, environmentally friendly manner, as well as being lightweight and easy to handle. This product was initially sold through RFP.

MANAGEMENT STATEMENT !
AFW fabrications, due to positive feedback from fishermen who have used our products, feel the time is right to do their own marketing. To improve our customer relations we no longer market our products through Roger Lean t/a ( Riviera Fishing Products )

Sustainable fishing has now become the ‘In-method’ as the many fisheries around the UK have now been deemed suitable for hook and line, with bait or lures to catch fish. Line fishing is less damaging to the marine environment and fish caught command a better price at market.

DESIGN

The stripper box on the maxi system is funnel shaped with a large opening narrowing towards the actual stripper mechanism. The mouth is created by a large sectional; stainless steel U tube. The U tube creates a easy entry for both line and fish with no protrusions for the hooks top snag on. Once through the mouth, the fish slide onto a downward sloping platform. This together with a U-tube stand and enclosed sides prohibit the fish from escaping.

The top of the stripper, being open ended, enables rigging/de rigging of the line to be much quicker and facilitates hand jigging. The versatility of the unit allows it to be used for trolling or drifting and can be used on a wide range of size of boat.

TROLLING

A stainless steel chute is attached to the underside of the stripper box by two bolts. The chute can be fixed either to starboard or port side. The chute is then fastened to the Gunwhale clamp via the pivot points on the chute. The pivot points on the chute allow the unit to be swung inboard when not in use. On being stripped the fish can then readily slide into a basket or via further chutes into the hold thereby keeping the decks clear and providing a safer working environment. The fishing line is led forward to a Pulley wheel mounted in the bows and then back to the gurdy wheel.

DRIFTING ‘OFF THE GUNWHALE’

The stripper box is fixed straight onto the Gunwhale Clamp by means of two pivots. i.e. it will straddle the gunwhale.

The unit may be pivoted inboard when not in use and the chute may be retained if so desired depending on the basket location. A telescopic outrigger is attached on the opposite side of the gunwhale with a twin pulley wheel and then returns to the Gurdy wheel.

GURDY WHEEL

The Gurdy wheel can be operated left or right handed, and is attached to the gunwhale clamp which supports the stripper box in such a manner that the wheel can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, to suit the stature of the person using the wheel. Each turn of the stainless steel wheel is a little less than a fathom, allowing for rapid and less tiring stripping of the fish. In order to control the rotational speed of the wheel, when the lines runs out a flat strip goes around the circumference making it user friendly ,especially to the hand.

GRANT AIDED

We have confirmation in March 2009 that our product is grant aided. On condition that the applicant has been on the register for five years or more, (see vessel mods axis 1 guidelines) and wishing to modernise.

Our systems are eligible because they fall well below the £1500 theshold.