CUSTOM BAMBOO & SPLIT CANE FLY RODS
Why choose to fish with a Split Cane Fly Rod
"There is only one theory about angling in which I have perfect confidence, and this is that the two words, least appropriate to any statement about it, are the words 'always' and 'never.'"
— Sir Edward Grey, Fly Fishing (1899)
Most of us did not set out to become traditionalists; we came to it the way one comes to fly fishing itself — by way of a borrowed rod, an evening watched in patience, a rise on water we cannot afford to leave. We learn, year by year, to mistrust the rod that promises to do everything; to mistrust the line that is the last word; to mistrust, in fact, almost any claim made too confidently on the bank.
What remains, when the certainties are stripped away, is simply the rod that has substance. Built by hand. In the English tradition. To be fished, and not displayed. That is what we make.
Every custom rod order whether placed directly or through Farlows — includes a free handmade leather rod tube and a personalised inscription.
Two ways to own one of our rods
Every Chris Clemes Fly Rods split cane fly rod is hand-built in our English workshop from aged Tonkin bamboo. Commission yours to specification — lead time approximately 1-3 months — or buy a stock rod today from one of our retail partners.
Same price either way. Unlike most contemporary English split cane makers, you can walk out of one of our stockists with a Chris Clemes Fly Rods rod the same day.
Let us build your perfect fly fishing tool
"Greenheart in turn was ousted by the six-sectioned split cane, which has now spread all over the world, and is used by everyone who can afford it."
— J. W. Hills, A History of Fly Fishing for Trout (1921)
The hexagonal split cane rod is a 19th-century English invention — first commercialised by Murphy in 1860, refined since by the bench-makers — and that is the tradition we still work in.
Every rod we send out is hand split, hand planed, and hand inscribed at the workshop. Chaytor wrote in 1910 that he learnt his salmon fishing partly from a grandfather who caught his first fish at fifteen and his last at eighty-four. A rod that fishes for that span has earned its keep.
We make ours to be fished. They are fishing tools, not relics. A rod is often commissioned to mark a retirement, birthday, anniversary or other significant occasions.
Makers of the Farlows 175th Anniversary Split Cane Fly Rods
Our Bamboo & Split Cane Fly Rods
Whether commissioning a bespoke split cane fly rod or purchasing one of our in-stock rods or accessories, we are here to help. Complete our enquiry form to arrange a free consultation or casting demonstration.
Start designing your ideal fly fishing tool by choosing from our wide range of best quality Tonkin cane rods and custom finishes - £1,550
