Crafted for
the Water
Custom fly fishing rods built for precision, balance, and legacy
Official CTS Partner
Custom fly fishing rods built for precision, balance, and legacy
Derek Smith is living the dream of many avid fly fishermen – turning his lifelong passion into a full-time craft. Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, Derek builds 2-3 rods a week from his workshop, each one meticulously handcrafted from the finest materials.
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“It's not hard to convince someone of the quality once they've had one in their hands.”
Every rod is a conversation between materials and maker. Clean lines, understated style, exceptional performance.
Every rod is designed for perfect balance and casting accuracy. Meticulously tested action curves ensure your line lands exactly where intended.
Built on CTS, Sage, and Winston blanks with Portuguese cork grips and flawless vacuum-chamber varnish finishes. Only the finest components.
Each rod is assembled and finished by hand in a Johannesburg workshop. Quarter-inch cork rings, flame-treated varnish, zero air bubbles.
We discuss your fishing style, target species, preferred waters, and what you want from your rod.
Blank selection, component choices, thread colours, grip profile, and reel seat are all decided together.
Your rod is built by hand over 2-3 weeks. Cork turning, wrapping, varnishing, and final quality checks.
Your finished rod is carefully packaged in a custom tube and delivered to your door, ready for the water.
We discuss your fishing style, target species, preferred waters, and what you want from your rod.
Blank selection, component choices, thread colours, grip profile, and reel seat are all decided together.
Your rod is built by hand over 2-3 weeks. Cork turning, wrapping, varnishing, and final quality checks.
Your finished rod is carefully packaged in a custom tube and delivered to your door, ready for the water.
“The moment I cast Derek's rod for the first time, I knew I'd never go back to factory-built. The balance is unlike anything I've ever felt.”
James van der Merwe
Fly Fisherman, Mpumalanga
Commission a custom rod crafted to your exact specifications. Every detail intentional, every cast perfected.
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