Cotswold Rods

It’s been a busy summer at Cotswold Rods! 🎣

In between squeezing in a few well-earned holidays, the workshop has been absolutely flat out.

We’ve had loads of finished rods heading out the door, alongside hundreds of rod-building component parcels making their way to builders all over the UK and beyond.

And there’s plenty more to come…

We’ve got some seriously exciting custom builds on the go at the moment, with a great mix of specs, components and ideas coming together on the benches.

We’re really looking forward to sharing some of them with you — with a packed order book and a show to attend, it looks like we’ve got a very busy few weeks ahead!

As always, a massive thank you to everyone ordering rods, components and supporting Cotswold Rods. It’s hugely appreciated.

When it comes to building Harrison Advanced Rods, it’s what we do best.

Returning customer Craig requested a set of rods that were completely unique, highly personal, and built without compromise.

Starting with the exceptional Harrison Advanced Rods Aviator 12’6” blanks, we created a build that delivers outstanding casting performance, superb control and incredible fish-playing action—perfect for Craig who wanted the very best.

Full build specification:
• Harrison Aviator 12’6” blanks
• Abbreviated Japanese shrink grips
• Alps AWF matt black reel seats
• Steve Neville ball peg retainers
• American Tackle 50mm TiForged Air Shadow Black guide set
• Bespoke inscriptions with deep metallic red thread detailing
• Custom engraved butt caps
• Individually numbered rods

The result is a set of rods that is timeless, understated and built to perform for many years to come.

If you’ve been thinking about a set of custom Harrison carp rods, we’d love to bring your ideas to life.
Visit our workshop for the full bespoke experience or design and order your rods through our website.

New product!

Our stunning Midnight Burl cork handles are now available in a ready-to-use format, ideal for professional rod builders and hobbyists alike.

No more spending hours gluing individual cork rings together and turning them down on a lathe — we’ve already taken care of the hard work for you.

✔ Available in two bore sizes�✔ Premium-quality burl cork�✔ Supplied with a matching front flare�✔ Ready to fit and finish

A simple way to give your next rod build a unique, premium look.

In stock now!

Of course, we still have our standard tubes and ring available.

https://cotswoldrods.co.uk/?product=midnight-burl-cork-handles-ready-to-use

*** ONE SET ONLY ***
Do you need some purple-themed rods in your life?

If so, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.

Available now and ready for immediate dispatch, this stunning set of 12ft 3.5lb Cotswold Rods Rival carp rods is guaranteed to stand out on the bank.

Built with premium components throughout, they feature:

- Japanese full shrink handles
- Super-rare Purple Alps ARD reel seats
- 50mm TiForged Air guide set
- Custom purple and black MLT threadwork with bespoke graphics
- Purple NiteGlow butt caps

A truly unique set that combines eye-catching looks with outstanding performance.

One set only – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Available now on our website for collection or UK delivery.

A smart set of Harrison Torrix TE rods brought right up to date. 👌

These classics have been given a complete strip and rebuild, finished with full camo duplon handles, HCA matt black reel seats, and subtle bespoke olive detailing.

Sometimes it’s not about replacing your favourite rods—it’s about giving them a new lease of life with a custom rebuild that looks every bit as good as it performs.

If you need a quote to refurbish your existing rods, drop us a line, we are rebuild specialists.

🎣 We’re at the Carp Society Fishing Show this Saturday!

Come and see the Cotswold Rods team at the Carp Society Fishing Show at Horseshoe Lake this Saturday the 11th of July.

We’ll have a huge selection of rods with us for you to handle, test and purchase, with some great show deals available throughout the day.

Thinking about a custom build? Bring your ideas along and have a chat with us. Whether you’re after a subtle refurbishment or a completely bespoke set of rods, we’ll be happy to discuss all of the options and help create your perfect setup.

If you’re a rod builder, we’ll also be on hand to talk all things blanks, guides, reel seats and components, so feel free to stop by for a chat.
If you need rebuilds and repairs, drop them with us on the day.

📍 You’ll find us up in Winter Bay (hopefully enjoying a bit of shade!).

We look forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces and meeting some new ones. See you on Saturday!

Cotswold Rods Cotswold Rods - the U.K.s premier custom rod builders

The new ‘RANGER’ Olive handles are up on the site and ready for you builders 🔥

3 sizes available, with choice of front sections to fit all seats.

The best in the business.

The RIVAL range just got bigger!

Following the incredible response to our existing Rival models, we’re pleased to introduce three new additions to the range:

▪️ 13ft Spod Rod - the custom blank you’ve all been waiting for!

Designed for anglers who demand effortless distance and accuracy when baiting. The progressive action generates excellent casting power whilst maintaining enough feel to make repeated spodding comfortable during long sessions.

▪️ 10ft 3.75lb two piece - the ultimate big fish 10fter!

Built for anglers who want serious power in a compact package. Ideal for boat work both here and abroad, stalking, smaller vehicles and anglers fishing tight swims, whilst still retaining the backbone needed for long casts and confident fish playing.

▪️ 12ft 2lb 10oz

A truly specialist rod.
Developed for intimate venues, margin work, lighter leads, floater fishing and anglers who appreciate a more forgiving, enjoyable playing action. Light in the hand, beautifully balanced and perfect for making every fish feel special.

As with every rod in the Rival range, these models have been developed from the ground up to deliver exceptional performance, premium build quality and incredible value for money.

✔️ Custom tapers
✔️ Reinforced joints
✔️ Lightweight 1K woven carbon finish
✔️ Designed and tested in the UK

Whether you’re launching spods to the horizon, travelling light, or enjoying close-range fishing, there’s now a Rival built for the job.

Available now from Cotswold Rods.

First look at our new-style Olive handles

We’ve had Olive Duplon in our range for a while now, but as its popularity has grown, we’ve seen more and more similar products appearing on the market.

At Cotswold Rods, we’re always looking to offer something a little different.
We love unique products, so rather than standing still, we’ve moved things forward.

Our new Olive handle material features a deeper, military-inspired green tone, giving it a more natural appearance whilst still maintaining the premium, modern aesthetics that custom rod builders demand.

The result is a subtle but distinctive finish that looks right at home on both understated and high-end custom builds.

Available now on all Cotswold Rods custom builds and supplied to trade rod builders and home builders through our website.

Also available from our premier components retailer, The Tackle Box in Dartford.

🔥** AIR CARBON MESH **🔥

After months of testing, development and customer builds, we’re excited to announce that the new Air Carbon Mesh from North Fork Composites is now available as an option on any custom rod build from Cotswold Rods.

Designed to deliver a unique high-end carbon build structure that replaces traditional thread-work , Air Carbon Mesh creates a stunning textured appearance while maintaining the clean, understated look that custom rod enthusiasts love.

The finish is now available to order, and we’ll be adding it as a selectable option on our website over the next week or so.

We’re also putting together a short article explaining exactly what Air Carbon Mesh is, how it’s applied, and the benefits it offers. We’ll share this soon and add it to the website for anyone wanting to learn more.

What do you think of the look? 👇