TomT wrote on May 10^th, 2019 at 11:54am:

It's also just one less thing to carry.  When I first started tripping I did it this way (rod under the leg).  Old habits die hard. I also just like the simplicity and the old school nature of it. It's how Sig and Dorothy did it I'm sure.

I think the rod weight and your line choice plays a part in getting a good hook set trolling this way.
 
My trolling rod when I'm traveling is a 7' med-heavy
Ugly Stick Elite. My line is #40 braid. That's about #10 in mono size. With SHARP hooks the fish pulls a little bit they are hooked.
I use the single type hook that hooks them in the corners of their mouths too.
 
  I have a loop on my under seat canoe pack on the right side as I face forward. The butt of the rod goes in the loop and the blank runs parallel with the seat
and lays against the gunnel. I duct tape a small piece of foam on the gunnel so it doesn't rattle.

The rod doesn't contact the bottom of my legs at all so comfort isn't an issue.

When I get a strike the butt of the rod snaps forward in the loop to alert me. The loop is big enough I can reach down with my left hand and pull up and out. Stiff rod and braid I don't have to jerk the rod at all.

Again, different strokes for what works for you.