Custom Built Rods
Your ‘Chris Ward Custom Built’ rod will be as individual as you are; handcrafted and fitted to your individual measurements and requirements. Using premium materials from only top branded rod blank manufacturers, each rod is crafted with ultimate care and attention to detail where quality is more important than quantity.
Each of us is of a different stature and this requires fishing rods to be made to cater for our individual dimensions. The size of our hand determines the size of the grip. The length of our arm can determine the position of the reel seat. Our physical strength or stature may enhance or limit certain techniques used in casting. The location, species of fish, fishing method and type of reel further contribute to the design and build of your rod. These factors lead to the uniqueness and individuality of your ‘Chris Ward Custom Built’ fishing rod.
Fishing rods are a working tool that can be further enhanced by the use of individual thread art or other graphic inscriptions. For an example of finished rods, thread art and graphic inscriptions please see my Finished Rod library. Each rod is delivered in a cloth rod bag and where appropriate, protective plastic tube.
As all rods are individually custom built, no price list is available. The cost of each rod reflects the cost of the rod blank, the components and other materials selected to your specifications. There is an additional cost for any aesthetics and personalised inscriptions. Protective canvas covered tubes with leather end caps or the luxury full leather carry tubes are available at an additional cost for your personal selection.
For examples of finished rods, thread art, graphic inscriptions and previous rod commissions please visit my Finished Rod Library
Chris Ward demonstrating at The British Fly Fair. Photo courtesy of Steve Thornton
Chris Ward working as a rod building tutor in Atlanta U.S.A 2006
Components
When selecting your custom built fishing rod, the array of components available is almost beyond belief. Certain brand names come with a time honoured guarantee of quality and performance and it is from this selection of top quality products you will work with me to achieve the final rod. Components fall into five main categories. The rod blank, the reel seat, the grip, the guides and finally the whipping thread.
Rod blanks are sourced from the UK and the USA with the priority brands of Harrison, Lamiglas, Zzipplex, St. Croix, Century and North Western heading the list. Other manufacturers are available on request.
Reel Seats manufactured by Fuji, Strubble and AFTCO probably lead the field.
Rod grips are primarily manufactured from cork or high-density foam. Other products are available such as shrink tube, cork impregnated latex, cord and pre-moulded rubber grips. See selection below.
Rod guides are available in numerous grades of guide liner and metal frame shapes and finishes. Most manufacturers produce anything in excess of forty to fifty patterns with ten or more individual sizes in each pattern. Fuji, by reputation, lead the field; other guide manufacturers available are Seymo, AFTCO and Batson Enterprises. See selection below.
Component Supplies
All components available to the custom rod client are also available as direct sale items. If you are having difficulty locating any of the components listed above please complete the Components Enquiry Form or you can contact Chris Ward directly via the contact page.
Prices for components will be advised on receipt of your enquiry.