Thanks for the ideas.

I guess there are 2 things, you don't want to bump them with you knees every time you turn around, but you also want to be close enough so if you catch a fish on a middle rod you can reach the line & lift the fish into the boat.

Any other thoughts or ideas before I break out the drill???

I'm a measure twice & cut once kind of guy when it comes to modifying the front deck of the boat.