Since the Washington ocean Halibut fishery is managed by the IPHC with a quota system, I'd like to hear some opinions concerning the allowable use of electric reels in our waters.
Personally, I am all for their use by anglers who hold a disability lisence. But what about everone else that uses them?
Despite the fact that the regulations say that electric reels must be mounted on hand-held fishing rods, is this still "sport fishing?"
I say this because I observed more than one boat full of anglers, in recent years, winch up 'butt after 'butt with them from their rod holders, until they were happy with the size of the fish. Then out comes the harpoon. And these were big females. (The largest male Pacific Halibut ever recorded was 74lbs.)
My concern is not just the impact to our quota, but also the impact to the stocks of this resource.
Any opinions are appreciated.

J.D.