Custom Fly Rod Maker — Handmade in England

Chris Clemes is one of a small number of custom fly rod makers still working in the UK. Every rod leaves our English workshop handmade from Tonkin bamboo — hand-split, hand-planed, and finished to the highest standard. We make split cane fly rods and S-glass fly rods, each one built to order.

Why Commission a Custom Rod?

A custom fly rod is not a luxury — it is a rod that works for you. When you commission a bespoke bamboo fly rod, the taper, length, line weight, and fittings are all chosen to suit the way you fish and the water you fish on.

An angler who fishes small chalk streams in Hampshire needs a different rod from someone casting into a Welsh spate river or a mountain stream in the Cape Winelands. A custom rod maker can design for these differences. An off-the-shelf rod cannot.

The Commissioning Process

Ordering a bespoke rod from Chris Clemes is straightforward:

Conversation. We begin with a discussion — by phone, email, or in person — about your fishing, your casting, and what you want from a rod. There is no obligation and no rush.

Design. Based on our conversation, we design a taper and select materials. If you have specific preferences for thread colour, reel seat wood, or inscription, we will incorporate those.

Build. Your rod is handmade in our workshop. We keep you informed throughout the process and are always happy to answer questions.

Delivery. Your finished rod is delivered in a handmade leather rod tube, ready for the river.

Our Rods

The Harmony — from £1,550

Our two-piece, one-tip split cane rods made in 7', 7'6 and 8' configurations and line weights 3, 4 and 5.

The Symphony — from £1,850

Our two-piece, two-tip split cane rods made in 7', 7'6 and 8' configurations and line weights 3, 4 and 5.

The Sjambok — from £599 — A compact S-glass fly rod designed for backcountry and mountain river fishing. Not split cane, but handmade with the same care and attention. Ideal for travelling anglers.

Where to Find Us

Our rods are available direct from our workshop and through select stockists including Farlows of Pall Mall, London — one of the world's finest fishing tackle shops. You can also view our work in the Gallery or read what our customers say on our Reviews page.

We welcome visitors to the workshop by appointment. Whether you are an experienced split cane angler or considering your first bamboo fly rod, we look forward to hearing from you.