wanted to mount them on the steel platform on the front but it was a little to far from my seat. Would not mount properly on the edge of the boat, I tried the floor initially but a couple strippers (both 27" that I caught and ate:D) about ripped them off the floor so I did this. When I use to do this in a john boat I did it like this and it is real sturdy. Used nuts and bolts instead of screws which makes it even more secure. The one on the left is further in so I can pull the trolling motor up and down. Basically this works for me, but you can put them anywhere you want as long as you can grab the rods fast.