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 rod is built by hand in England from Tonkin cane, shaped, glued and finished over two to four months. 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.
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
The Harmony — from £1,550
Our pre-designed two-piece split cane rod. A beautifully balanced rod, ready to fish. Perfect if you'd like to surprise him with something he can take straight to the river.
The Symphony — from £1,850
Our fully bespoke rod, built to his exact specifications. Two-piece, two-tip, designed around his casting style and the waters he fishes. The ultimate retirement gift for a fly fisherman who knows exactly what he wants.
The Sjambok
A compact S-Glass fly rod designed for backcountry streams and mountain rivers. Ideal for the adventurous angler who likes to travel light.
Every Commission Includes
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A free handmade leather rod tube, hand-stitched in England
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A personalised inscription of your choice
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A personal casting demonstration (where possible)
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Hand-finished in our London workshop
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International shipping available
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 2–4 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 2–4 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 rod is made to order. Get in touch to start the conversation.
