Hi there William,
Do you have a Bump bar on your seatbox?
If not purchase one, it takes all the weight of the pole while fishing and you can rest it between your thighs while the butt section of the pole sits on top of your seat box.
Another great idea if you prefer to rest the pole on your thigh is the Mark 2 clever claw, what a great and simple device and only costs around £20.00p well worth every penny. I use either a bump bar or the clever claw, i have also used them both together, put the butt section of the pole in to the clever claw and rest the rest of the pole on the bump bar, hands free fishing until you need to ship the pole in or you get abite.
Anyway, i hope this helps a little.
Tight Lines /forum/smilies/devil_smiley.gif