Custom Rods
There’s nothing quite like casting a fly rod that was built just for you—one that speaks to your style, your waters, and your connection to the craft. At Barber Rod Company, I specialize in custom bamboo fly rods handcrafted in the heart of Montana, where the rivers shape my designs and the secluded mountain streams inspire my work.
Each custom rod begins with a conversation. I take the time to understand how and where you fish, your casting preferences, and the stories behind your favorite waters. From there, I hand-split and plane premium Tonkin cane to precise tolerances, carefully matching my unique tapers to your needs—whether you prefer a slow, classic action for dry fly presentations or a slightly faster feel for more versatile conditions.
Every detail, from the silk wraps to the hand-blued ferrules, is crafted with care and intention.
Built one at a time using time-honored techniques, my rods are not mass-produced—they're personal. With each custom build, you receive more than just a fly rod. You receive a functional piece of art, made to last for generations and carry the spirit of the West with every cast.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to mark a special milestone, a custom bamboo fly rod from Barber Rod Company is an investment in tradition, craftsmanship, and the stories yet to come.
Let’s build your rod, your way—rooted in Montana, and made for your water.
Rod Details
BUILD SPECS
Overview -
Culms - Our beautiful hand-selected Tonkin culms come from David Serafin in the Paradise Valley. Culms are selected for each rod based on straightness, node spacing and power fiber density. All rods are both flamed and oven treated to temper the bamboo for strength and resilience.
Nodes - Nodes are heated, pressed and filed using the Abbot node press. The result is a compact visually pleasing node that is straight and strong. I use a 2x2x2 node pattern in all of my rods.
Planing & Hollowing - All rods are hand planed on the Morgan Handmill. This allows for precise tolerances of +/- .0005" on each strip. Before gluing, all rods are hollowed resulting in reduced weight, faster recovery, greater accuracy.
Ferrules - High quality nickel silver ferrules are used on every rod. Ferrules are blued, wrapped and varnished for greater strength and durability.
Guides & Wraps - Blued snake guides and a blued agate stripping guide are used on every rod. Following Tom Morgans philosophy on guide sizing I keep guide sizes on the smaller side to reduce "line slap" and improve distance and accuracy. All rods are wrapped in my signature copper-brown silk wraps and black tipping.
Varnish - All rods are coated in marine spar varnish and allowed to cure for three weeks prior to wrapping and finishing the rod. Marine spar provides excellent flexibility and UV protection.
Handles - Premium flor Portuguese cork is hand selected for color and quality. The 6" handle is then turned to a 600 grit finish resulting in a smooth and durable handle. A signature full wells grip is used on most rods 4wt and up while a straight taper cigar is used on 2-3wt rods for a finer feel.
Reel Seats - Reel seats are turned from chocolate colored amboyna burl and finished with blued nickel silver hardware turned in my shop.
ROD MODELS
All rods are single handed hex built rods and can be configured in 2pcs or 3pcs depending on your preference. Rods include two matching tips. Below are my most popular models but if you would like something not listed, please reach out and we can discuss prototyping something together.
7' 3wt - A nimble rod for small water and tight cover.
7'3" 3wt - Slightly longer than the 7' 3wt and built with a swelled butt for greater power in the wind.
7'9" 4wt - A crisp 4wt for excellent dry fly presentation on smaller rivers.
8'3" 4wt - This all-around 4wt has exceptional feel for short casts as well as the power to punch through the wind on bigger rivers.
8'3" 5wt - A beautiful five weight that does it all. This rod is a perfect balance of power and precision.
8'6" 5wt - When greater reach is required for mending, this is a great alternative to the 8'3" 5wt.
8'3" 6wt - The 6wt is an ideal rod for casting multiple flies on lakes and bigger rivers. Plenty of power is delivered through the butt and mid while a fine tip protects the tippet.
8'6" 7wt - In MT this is my go to rod for early spring or late fall streamer fishing. The 7wt features a swelled butt, full wells grip and small fighting butt to balance it out.
8'6" 8wt - This is an ideal bonefish or salmon rod for throwing a heavy line and large flies. I have built this rod using anodized aluminum reel seat hardware, two Ceracoil stripping guides, REC recoil guides and a fighting butt for greater durability in salt water environments. (3pc only)
BUILD TIME
Build times vary based on my workload. Current lead time for a rod is 8-12 months. If you need a rod in time for a trip or special occasion, please reach out and we can discuss.
PRICING AND ORDER PROCESS
All rods are $3500 and require a $500 fully refundable deposit to secure your spot in the build process. You can place a deposit below and I will follow-up with a prompt phone call to confirm the rod model and approximate delivery date.
A note on customization - Many rod builders offer a dizzying number of build options from reel seat wood and handle shape to wrap colors and inscription. I've chosen to simplify the process and build my rods from the very best materials without a menu of options. The reel seat wood, handle shape, silk colors, flaming, bluing, etc. combine to produce a signature Barber rod.
Custom Rod Deposit
Rods are $3500 with a $500 refundable deposit taken to secure your spot in the build process. Current lead time is 8-12 months. Rod balance and shipping costs will be billed two weeks prior to shipping.
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