Lengthen the release to 48" inches and get a "grabber" like your dehooker (dowell with tea cup holder) You still have to lean over to attach snap and short release.

Outdoor Emporium also has replacement pads for the offshore. Just dig out the old pad, put a drop or two of super glue on the new one and stick it in there. The pressure from the release holds them in place until the glue sets.

They also have loose/unrigged Scotty releases, the nice ones with chartreuse heads for $3.50 or so.