Yes, I have seen some that are works of art.

Custom fittings and custom rods are really another issue, though.

I should probably have just let it go.

There are all kinds of rods designed specifically for all kinds of purposes. In general, people would be best served by using a rod designed for the type of fishing they want to do.

If you want to cast heavy baits and lures, get a bait caster.
If you want to cast light baits and lures, get a spinnig rod.
If you want to fly fish (and make long casts or catch fish that will run) get a fly rod.
If you want to fish tenkara, get a tenkara rod.