I usually use 9 footers...

I extend it out back wards or sideways "over" the water as far as I can.. usually supporting it somewhere...and lean in the opposite direction...usaually I can just reach it..

Bending it is asking it to break..

I believe someone posted here once about just putting it straight down in the water [reel down vertically]...water shouldn't hurt it ...haven't tried it but I would before I came into shore....