We met Chris Clemes a couple of years ago when he made the permanent move to South Africa. He not only builds the most beautiful split cane fly rods, but his philosophy that bamboo rods are proper fishing tools and should be used as such is what caught our attention. Bamboo fly rods are not meant to be stored on a mantle piece or display cabinet – they should be in the hands of fly anglers casting dry flies at rising trout.
Choosing to fish with a split cane fly rod is more than just catching fish – it’s about connecting to the rich heritage and tradition of fly fishing. As a fly fisherman, you value the peace and tranquility that comes with being in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You take pride in the preparation and care of your gear, appreciating the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making it. Before making your first cast, you take time to observe the river and its surroundings, noticing the insect life, fishy lies, and subtle rises. With a split cane fly rod, you prioritise substance and longevity over mass-produced products. Ultimately, traditional split cane fly fishing is about more than just catching fish – it’s about the experience and connecting with something greater than oneself.
The following three models are available for test and order:
Buying a top-class bamboo fly rod, like one build by Chris Clemes, is a substantial investment. For this reason, we have various demo models available for you to test before ordering.
We are away between 3 and 7 July. Any orders placed during this time will be posted on Monday 10 July. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
