Images Courtesy Of The Custom Rod Builders Guild, USA
Legend of Rod Builders
ABOUT CHRIS WARD
Chris Ward’s connection to fishing began at the age of fourteen, when he first picked up a rod and developed a fascination that would shape his life’s work. After college, he spent nearly two years working in a fishing tackle shop, gaining hands-on experience with equipment, materials, and rod performance before entering public service.
Following his retirement from UK public service in 1997, Chris dedicated himself fully to recreational angling and rod building. He coached anglers of all ages, trained coach educators, and continued to refine his craft as a custom rod builder. To further develop his skills and techniques, Chris travelled to the United States to study advanced rod-building methods, expanding the approaches and materials he now applies to every rod he creates.
In 2007, Chris was honoured with induction into the Custom Rod Builders Guild (USA), receiving recognition for his contribution to the craft of custom rod building.
Chris’s angling and rod-building experience spans diverse waters, from the chalk streams of Hampshire to the offshore fisheries of Kenya and the waters of Chatham Sound, Alaska. These experiences, combined with decades of hands-on craftsmanship, inform his careful, thoughtful approach to building custom fishing rods tailored to each angler and application.
Following his retirement from UK public service in 1997, Chris dedicated himself fully to recreational angling and rod building. He coached anglers of all ages, trained coach educators, and continued to refine his craft as a custom rod builder. To further develop his skills and techniques, Chris travelled to the United States to study advanced rod-building methods, expanding the approaches and materials he now applies to every rod he creates.
In 2007, Chris was honoured with induction into the Custom Rod Builders Guild (USA), receiving recognition for his contribution to the craft of custom rod building.
Chris’s angling and rod-building experience spans diverse waters, from the chalk streams of Hampshire to the offshore fisheries of Kenya and the waters of Chatham Sound, Alaska. These experiences, combined with decades of hands-on craftsmanship, inform his careful, thoughtful approach to building custom fishing rods tailored to each angler and application.
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Decades Of Custom Experience
Age When Built First Rod
Named Legend Of Rod Building
Only The Best Will Do
Why Anglers Choose Chris
- A rod designed around your fishing, not a standard template
- Decades of proven experience on the water, in coaching, and in craftsmanship
- One rod at a time, with no rushing and no shortcuts
All fish pictured were taken on rods built by Chris Ward.
A Note from Chris
“I’m selective in the work I take on because I want every rod to be right — not just good enough. If you’ve reached this page, you’re likely someone who values the same things I do: quality, patience, and a rod that simply feels right in your hands.”
