Hey you know there are pluggers on this site much more knowledgable than myself that will likely tell you it's important to have them side by side. I tried the side-by-side thing for a period of time but found it somewhat of a hassle. I suppose if you put a marker of some type on the line or counted pulls you may be able to get the plugs close. Now I just throw the lure out about 50' and have my passengers do the same. We seem to do as well as anyone else. Of far more importance IMO is plug color and design. Hope this helps.

RM