Question 1

What is the difference between a bamboo fly rod and a split cane fly rod?

Accepted Answer

A bamboo fly rod and a split cane fly rod are the same thing. In the United States, these handmade fishing rods are typically called bamboo fly rods, while in the United Kingdom they are known as split cane fly rods. Both are crafted from strips of Tonkin bamboo (Arundinaria amabilis), split and glued into hexagonal sections. Chris Clemes Fly Rods builds each rod by hand in the English split cane tradition.

Question 2

Where can I buy a handmade bamboo fly rod in London?

Accepted Answer

Chris Clemes handmade bamboo fly rods are available at Farlows, 9 Pall Mall, London — one of the world's oldest and most respected fly fishing shops. You can also commission a bespoke rod directly through chrisclemes.com or contact Chris via WhatsApp at +44 7700 165059.

Question 3

How much does a custom bamboo fly rod cost?

Accepted Answer

Chris Clemes bespoke split cane fly rods start at £1,550 for a 2-piece, 1-tip rod and £1,850 for a 2-piece, 2-tip rod. The Sjambok S-Glass rod is available at £599 including a handmade leather rod tube. Each rod is built to order with a lead time of approximately 3 months.

Question 4

How long does it take to build a bespoke bamboo fly rod?

Accepted Answer

A bespoke Chris Clemes split cane fly rod takes approximately 3 months to build. Each rod is handmade from start to finish — from splitting and planing the Tonkin bamboo cane to wrapping the guides and fitting the reel seat. A 50% deposit is required to begin the commission.

Question 5

Do you ship bamboo fly rods internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chris Clemes Fly Rods ships worldwide, including to the United States, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Rods are also available at stockists in South Africa: Stream and Sea in Paarl and Handmade Life in Franschhoek, Western Cape.

Question 6

What is the best bamboo fly rod for dry fly fishing?

Accepted Answer

For dry fly fishing, a lightweight split cane rod in a 3-weight or 4-weight is ideal. Chris Clemes builds bespoke bamboo fly rods tailored to your preferred fishing style, river conditions, and casting stroke. Each rod is designed in consultation with the angler to deliver the perfect presentation for dry flies on chalk streams, spring creeks, or mountain rivers.

Question 7

What is the difference between a 1-tip and 2-tip split cane rod?

Accepted Answer

A 1-tip split cane rod comes with a single tip section, while a 2-tip rod includes a spare tip — traditionally included by the finest English rod makers as insurance against breakage. The spare tip can also be built to a slightly different action, giving you two rods in one. Chris Clemes 2-tip rods are priced at £1,850.

At the Top of Their Game | Chris Clemes Fly Rods by Emma Crichton-Miller