Downrigging Question

In theory, a downrigger which is mounted towards the stern of a kayak will have less impact on the tracking of the kayak than a downrigger which is mounted towards the bow of a kayak. However, you've got to be able to operate the downrigger, and a downrigger which is mounted next to you is way easier to use than a downrigger which is mounted behind you. 

Yeah, easier to operate for sure. Kayak fishing is a one man band as it is. 

And if the downrigger is mounted with its cable right next to the kayak, it has little effect on the tracking of the kayak.

I think you're right about that when you're going straight with some momentum built up but when you slow down and the kayak isn't tracking in a straight course that the pull from the DR ball will pull you sideways easily. Then say, you're fighting a fish with the DR ball down and not pedaling, it'll pull you sideways to the current. If the DR ball would get caught in some garbage or snag the bottom that'd likely result in the kayak rolling.

I can drop the ball no problem as its behind me, what is harder is making adjustments on the fly.  But I can deal with it since I can reach it...until I get dehydrated and the act of turning around versus side saddling causes my ribs to cramp up.  OWIE!   I didn't think about snagging up and having the pull point forward or aft of ya.  That's a good point since I was going to troll up some halibut with the DR this year.  I've rarely fished below 80ft with my downrigger so far. 

I know that cramp right in the ribs. And it always comes at the wrong time.