Criss cross fishing rods on the kayak?

I'm curious why some of you do this.  Ie rod holder on the right but the rod points to the left or vice versa.  And two rods that cross each other. 
Been seeing this a lot on photos and videos. 

Is there some simple explanation that I'm just not understanding?

Yes it is harder keeping track of which pole got hit after you use your fish whistle when they are crossed.

Looks badass, kinda gangster kayak style?

Also might bring a single line in closer to the center of the yack and reduce drag to one side......

Not really sure don't have this figured out either, might be a Hobie thing. Glad you're here to ask these tough questions! 

I do it so it keeps the butt of my rod outside my peddle space.. and the fish whistle thing^ of course

For me salmon trolling with it crossed it wakes me up when the pole bends and turns the rod holder popping me in the head. Native propels. But honestly for me it’s easier to see my rod tip if it’s not out as far and plus 1 on the rod end being outside the boat since it’s the lowest part of the whole thing. On another note when paddling if you have it set and angled right (for a short guy) your paddle strokes are basically in line with the rod and just clear the tip and butt of the rod but leaves the rod within easy reach. Probably didn’t help much but hey you got my $0.02.

I do it so it keeps the butt of my rod outside my peddle space.. and the fish whistle thing^ of course

This is most of it for me. Also, if I'm trolling something heavy and it torques the (scotty for me) rod holder counter clockwise, sometimes it's enough to start unscrewing the mount from the track, so I'll adjust so it's going CW instead.

Rod holder on right, Rod pointing to the left …..
When it gets choppy and a big one hits, you don't want all that weight pulling on the outside of the yak while you are reaching overboard to grab rod (stability).
Another benefit is having your rod in front of you in arms reach when you get a bit.
Find what works best for you and stick with it. 
;0)

Stability, reel access, pulls, drag adjustment, reaction positioning, tip visibility - all of the above.

I do it for all the reasons already mentioned. Mostly because it’s more convenient and faster to get the rod in and out of the holder.

(Also, try a Folbe holder if you haven’t yet...)




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Another added bonus is it puts your rod tip in a better position if you're going to be staring at it all day. (I've had some serious neck discomfort the day after a long session...)

I’m used to landing my fish on the right hand side. In this case, would you steer the boat around or how do you get the fish to the right? Seems like another step to worry about. Guess I’ll have to try it...

For me, because it puts the reel well within reach.  ...

I don't get how this works on a pedal boat. Don't you have to put the rod far forward (or maybe up high) so that you can pedal? Seems like that would make it more of a reach, not less.

My rod holders are right where my elbow rests. I don't see how the reel could be any closer, and I can use the rod holders as arm rests...

For me, because it puts the reel well within reach.  ...

I don't get how this works on a pedal boat. Don't you have to put the rod far forward (or maybe up high) so that you can pedal? Seems like that would make it more of a reach, not less.

My rod holders are right where my elbow rests. I don't see how the reel could be any closer, and I can use the rod holders as arm rests...

A short extension is all it takes to get your rod up above your toes and out of pedal range. IÂ’ve never felt like the reach was an issue, but IÂ’ve got long monkey arms...

Here’s a video showing the reach and grab, just because...




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I mount my trolling and downrigger trolling rod low on the left gunwale of my Hobie Revolution, pointing to the right across the centerline of my kayak, and positioned a couple of inches behind my left toe when my left pedal is all the way back, for the following reasons:

1. The butt of my rod hangs over the side of my Revolution, and doesn't interfere with pedaling.

2. I can reach my rod and reel, and can remove my rod from its holder, by leaning forward only slightly in my seat.

3. I can remove the rod from its holder while keeping my weight centered in my kayak.  If you mount your rod in a rod holder which points outward from the gunwale, particularly a tube (rocket launcher) style of rod holder, you need to reach out to the side of your kayak, unless you use a clamshell style of rod holder which releases straight up, such as the Folbe Advantage or the Scotty Orca.

4.  I can crank up my downrigger weight with my right hand while reeling in fishing line with my left hand, which keeps my rod under tension while I'm raising my downrigger weight.

My rod doesn't interfere with pedaling in this location, even with the rod holder mounted as low as possible on the gunwale.  I don't like to raise my rod holders on extenders.

From Mark Veary NWKA