• +44 (0) 23 9259 8714
  • South-East Hampshire, UK.
  • Chris Ward - AKA Rod-Doctor

RODCRAFTSMAN

Welcome to

RodCraftsman.com Home of the Rod doctor

Hand-Crafted Fishing Rods Built with a Lifetime of Angling Experience
Every rod begins with a conversation about your fishing — the waters you love, the species you chase, and the feel you want the moment the line tightens. With decades of real-world experience from the River Test to the coast of Kenya, each build is shaped by knowledge earned on the water, one rod at a time.

Welcome to

RodCraftsman.com Home of the Rod doctor

Hand-Crafted Fishing Rods, Built One at a Time
In a world of fast production and shortcuts, your rod is built the old way: one build, one angler, one conversation at a time. With decades of hands-on experience and a deep passion for the sport, each rod is crafted to deliver the performance and feel you expect on the water.

Built Around Your Fishing Style

Every rod starts with a conversation about how you fish — the waters you prefer, the species you target, and the feel you want in your hands. This ensures the rod is built with purpose and tuned to your real-world use.

Decades of Proven Craftsmanship

With over 20 years of rod building and a lifetime of angling experience across rivers, lakes, and saltwater, Chris brings a depth of knowledge that shows in every build. It’s skill developed on the water, not in a factory.

One Rod at a Time, Never Rushed

There is no production line here. Each rod receives full attention from start to finish, from blank selection to the final wrap. Quality over quantity — always.

Experience You Can Rely On

Chris Ward Legend of Rod Builders...

From fly casting on the River Test to pursuing sailfish and marlin off the coast of Kenya, Chris brings a lifetime of angling knowledge to every build. His understanding of real-world fishing shapes every decision, from the blank you choose to the final finishing wraps.
Quality overrides quantity with quality requiring time. Chris looks forward to working with you.
Chris Ward
20+ Years Experience

Hand-Crafted Mini Rod Art

Miniature Rod Art
The Perfect Gift!

Alongside full-sized rods, Chris creates unique miniature rod art pieces—small, detailed displays that capture the look and feel of a handcrafted rod in a framed presentation. Each piece is made by hand and designed specifically for the person receiving it, making it a meaningful gift or keepsake for anglers of all ages.

No two frames are the same. Colours, themes, and layouts can be tailored to match special memories, personal achievements, favourite waters, or an angler’s unique style. Whether it’s a celebration, a retirement gift, or simply something special to display at home, miniature rod art offers a distinctive way to honour someone’s connection to fishing.
If you’d like to commission a miniature rod art piece, please reach out through the enquiry form and share your ideas.

Built Around You

The Rod-Building Process

A great rod starts with a clear, thoughtful process. Here’s how each build comes together, step by step, to match your fishing and your expectations on the water.

1. We Talk About Your Fishing

Everything starts with a conversation about how you fish—your target species, waters, reel choice, and the feel you want from your rod. This helps guide every decision that follows.

2. Select Your Blank & Components

Based on your needs, we choose a blank that fits your fishing style, then match it with guides, handle materials, and components that give the rod the right balance and performance.

3. We Personalise the Look

You choose the thread colours and any design elements that mean something to you. From subtle finishes to detailed thread art, the rod becomes a reflection of your style and story.

4. Your Rod Is Built by Hand

Each rod is crafted carefully from start to finish, one at a time—no rushing, no shortcuts. When completed, it’s inspected, finished, and ready for the water.

Custom Built Rods
When only the best will do!

We'd love to help you with your enquiry, source your accessories and help you design and build your perfect rod
Location
  • South-East Hampshire, UK.
Call Chris
  • +44 (0) 23 9259 8714
Send A Message
  • chris@rodcraftsman.com
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