if you have room just clip up the rod at the desired distance then put a temporary lead on the spod rod, take both rods and plug the leads in the ground (stand on them ) open the bale arms and walk backwards until you hit the clip then clip up the spod rod, allow a little less length on the spod rod depending on depth of water wind both rods back up and replace the lead with the spod and they are both then at the correct distance.
You obviously need enough clear room to use this method.
Gaz