Fishing with an electric reel didn't appeal to me at first. I thought the same thing-no way, there is no sport in it. This is not the case. Give it a try. I think some people think you are bolting on a winch to a cable. Not the case. First I don't have any halibut fishing reels that will fit in any of my rod holders. Second I use the Fishing NG electric reels that are about $400 each and alone weigh five pounds. This is just the motor set up. Then I have Penn 340 and 345 reels on short 5'6 sticks. I take my kids, wife, friends, and relatives to Canada and U.S. halibut fishing. When a halibut hits, you set the hook and fight it just like normal. If you just hold down the button to reel up it will just burn up the drag on your reel. You have to work it just like you do with a handle. It basically bolts on to the shaft where your handle was. I fish halibut, salmon, and bottom fish more than 99% of the people I know. I am a huge sportsfisherman and love my electric reel. My wife doesn't like them because of the weight. She would rather do it by hand than jig that rod with the electric reel. The nice thing about it is you can fish bait and when you do bring up a dogfish its no big deal. It really is a lot of fun and you would easily fish water that you might not without one. The Fishing NG motors are a lot heavier duty than the electramates. I have been fishing Neah Bay for years and it is my favorite place on earth. It is MY vacation every year. I normally spend two straght weeks out there fishing everyday. I also fish it several other times a year too. Another tip for you guys is what I saw John Beath with. A sumotackle reel handle on his shimano reel. It is a handle that has an adjustable length on it. It is sweet. You push in a spring loaded button and you can shorten the handle or lengthen it for reeling in a fish. It was well made too. I found them on the internet. They are made for Shimanos and Penn Senators only. Take a look http://sumotackle.com/products/handles/