A Gift He'll Treasure for a Lifetime
The Perfect Retirement Gift for a Fly Fisherman
Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter — more time on the river, more days spent doing what he loves. If you're looking for a retirement gift that truly matches the occasion, a handmade split cane fly rod is something no fly fisherman ever forgets receiving. Every Chris Clemes Fly Rods rod is built by hand in our English workshop from aged Tonkin cane, shaped, glued and finished over approximately 1-3 months — sooner if a suitable blank is already prepared. Each rod is designed around the rivers he fishes and the way he casts. It's not just a fly rod — it's a piece of craftsmanship made specifically for him. Featured in The Times Luxury (March 2025) alongside Hermès, Hardy and Orvis.
Two Ways to Give — Same Price Either Way
Every Chris Clemes Fly Rods rod is sold at the same price whether bought as stock from one of our retail partners or commissioned bespoke at our workshop. If you have time — commission a rod built to his exact specification: length, line weight, action, fittings, free personalised inscription. Lead time approximately 1-3 months. If timing is tight — our best-selling specifications (the 7'6 #4 in particular) are kept in stock at Farlows of Pall Mall (London), Stream & Sea (Paarl) and Hand Made Life (Franschhoek). Buy today, fish tomorrow. 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. View our stockists
Why a Handmade Fly Rod Makes the Perfect Gift
A split cane fly rod is the fly fishing equivalent of a fine watch or a bespoke suit. It's made to last a lifetime and passed down through generations. Unlike off-the-shelf tackle, every rod we make is individually designed and personally delivered.
Built for Him
Every commission begins with a conversation. We learn about his fishing, his rivers and his casting style — then design a rod to match.
Handmade in England
Each rod is hand-split, planed, glued and finished in our workshop. From raw Tonkin cane to the final coat of varnish, every step is done by hand.
A Gift That Lasts
Split cane rods improve with age. A Chris Clemes rod isn't just a retirement present — it becomes a treasured companion on the riverbank for decades to come.
Choose your gift
Our two-piece, one-tip split cane rods made in 7', 7'6 and 8' configurations and line weights 3,4 and 5.
Our two-piece, two-tip split cane rods made in 7', 7'6 and 8' configurations and line weights 3,4 and 5.
A compact 7' #3 4 piece S-Glass fly rod designed for backcountry streams and mountain rivers. Ideal for the adventurous angler who likes to travel light.
The Gentleman's Fly Fishing Kit — £3,500
Our most special gift — a complete commission, beautifully presented
The Gentleman's Fly Fishing Kit brings together everything that makes a Chris Clemes Fly Rods commission unique, presented for the occasion. Each kit is built to your specification and includes:
— A bespoke Symphony split cane fly rod (2-piece, 2-tip), built to your length and line weight — A choice of Phoenix silk fly line, matched to the rod — A custom-made wooden presentation case — An engraved brass dedication plaque mounted inside the case (your choice of inscription — name, date, river, occasion) — Free personalised inscription on the rod itself — All standard custom finish options for the rod (wraps, reel seat, grip)
Optional additions: hand-stitched English leather rod tube; a fly reel sourced and fitted into the case if requested.
Lead time approximately 1-3 months. 50% deposit reserves the build, balance due on completion.
Every Commission Includes
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A free hand-written personalised inscription on every rod
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A free hand-stitched English leather rod tube (current promotion — not normally included)
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A personal casting demonstration where possible — at the workshop or via video call
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Hand-finished in our English workshop by a small team with more than 50 years of combined rod-making experience
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International shipping worldwide; in-person collection available at Farlows of Pall Mall, London
Smaller Gifts and Accessories
Not every retirement gift needs to be a full commission. Several of our other products make excellent stand-alone gifts or pair beautifully with a rod commission as additions to the package.
Phoenix Silk Fly Lines — £130-£260
Hand-finished silk fly lines from the last commercial silk-line maker in Europe. Available in Half Line (£130), Trout DT and WF (£220), and Salmon DT (£260). A meaningful gift on its own, or paired with the rod commission. Browse silk lines →
Hand-stitched leather rod tubes, fly wallets, tarras bags and bridle leather belts — all made in England in the same English workshop tradition as the rods. Browse leather →
Not Just for Retirement
Our rods make exceptional gifts for any milestone:
Retirement — The most popular gift we make. A lasting reminder of a life well lived.
50th, 60th or 70th birthday — A milestone gift for a milestone occasion.
Father's Day — For the father who has everything.
Christmas — Commission early to allow for our 1–3 month lead time.
Corporate gifts — For senior executives and valued clients who appreciate the finer things.
How It Works
Step 1 — Get in Touch
Contact us by phone, email or WhatsApp. Tell us about the person you're buying for — or let us speak to them directly if you'd like to keep the specifications a surprise.
Step 2 — Design
We'll design the rod around his fishing. Taper, length, action and finish are all tailored to his style and the rivers he fishes.
Step 3 — Handmade
Your rod is built by hand in our workshop over 1–3 months. We'll keep you updated throughout.
Step 4 — Delivery
Delivered in a handmade leather tube with a personalised inscription. We can also arrange a personal casting demonstration.
What Our Customers Say
"The custom made 4 weight you made for me was spectacular. My three fishing buddies were fighting with each other to get a chance to use it. A rod that will clearly be a family heirloom for many generations."
— Michael H.
"I received the rod and it only took two days from the time it left you until it was delivered to me. It's absolutely exquisite — the loveliest work of rod craftsmanship I've ever seen. It will be admired by my angler friends."
— John B.
"The Chris Clemes Split Cane Rods are beautifully made and presented, traditional British rod making, and as a fishing rod as far as I can see this is exactly fit for its function."
— Magnus Angus, Fly Fishing & Fly Tying Magazine
Commission His Rod Today
Every Chris Clemes Fly Rods rod is hand-built in England — bespoke to his spec, or available in stock at our retail partners at the same price. Speak to Chris before you commission, or visit Farlows of Pall Mall, Stream & Sea or Hand Made Life to feel the rods in person.
