I have noticed over the years that at times bringing the fish between the legs can create disaster. #1 the leg rests get in the way and give the fish 1 more thing to use to try and get away from you. #2 when you have the fish coming in right in front of you your rod has to get almost vertical and will cause you to loose control of the fish. I always grab the fish off the right side of the boat, no obstacles and you have control if the fish wants to get stupid when you go to grab it.