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

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.

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

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.

How much does a custom bamboo fly rod cost?

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.

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

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.

Do you ship bamboo fly rods internationally?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

What Makes the Best Split Cane Fly Rod?

Chris Clemes
3 days ago
2 min read

There is no shortage of opinions on what makes the best split cane fly rod. Ask a dozen anglers and you will hear a dozen answers — but certain qualities separate an exceptional bamboo fly rod from an ordinary one. It comes down to three things: the cane, the taper, and the hands that bring them together.

The Cane

Every Chris Clemes rod begins with hand-selected Tonkin cane from the Sui River valley in southern China. Tonkin bamboo has been the material of choice for split cane rod makers for over a century, and for good reason — its power fibres run long and straight, producing a rod with unmatched feel and recovery.

Not all Tonkin cane is equal. We grade and season each culm before it enters the workshop, discarding any material that does not meet our standards. This is time-consuming work, but it is the foundation of every rod we make.

The Taper

A split cane fly rod is only as good as its taper — the precise profile that determines how the rod loads, casts, and presents a fly. Our tapers have been developed over years of refinement on English chalk streams, Scottish spate rivers, and the mountain streams of South Africa.

The Maker

A bamboo fly rod is handmade from start to finish. There are no shortcuts. Each of the six strips is hand-planed to tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch, then bound together, straightened, and finished by hand. The ferrules are fitted, the cork grip is shaped, the reel seat is mounted, and a personalised inscription is added.

At Chris Clemes, we make every rod in our English workshop. We are one of a small number of split cane fly rod makers still working in this tradition, and we believe the results speak for themselves.

How Much Does a Split Cane Fly Rod Cost?

The Harmony starts from £1,550 and The Symphony from £1,850. Each rod comes with a handmade leather rod tube and a lifetime of pride on the riverbank. For those searching for a bamboo fly rod at any price point, our guide to bamboo fly rod prices explains what influences the cost.

Commission Your Rod

If you have been considering a split cane fly rod, we would be delighted to discuss your requirements. Every rod is made to order, and we are happy to guide you through the process — whether you are buying for yourself or choosing a retirement gift for a fellow angler.

Browse our Shop to see our current range, visit the Gallery for inspiration, or read our FAQ for answers to common questions about split cane and bamboo fly rods.