The footrest on the boat is a piece of triangle shaped aluminum sheeting. On the back side I've made a small bracket and placed a scotty rod holder. All I have to do is reach down and press a button and count sideplate to sideplate to know how much I have out. The anchor release is just to the right of the seat.

Fish on,drop oars, set hook, drop anchor or hand off depending on location, all usually works.

Chewing gum would complicate everything.