Hardy fishing reels are known the world over for making some of the finest freshwater reels for all conditions and venues. The quality of the material used is the best available, the reels are tested to destruction to make sure they last a life time. A hardy reel if kept in fine condition will be a great investment, many vintage reels change hands for thousands of dollars.
History of Hardy Fishing
Around the World people love to fish and within the sport Hardy's Fishing tackle is renowned as the best. For well over a century, Hardy's has been renowned as the makers of the finest game fishing tackle in the world It all began in 1872, when William Hardy began as a gunsmith in Alnwick, Northumberland. He was joined by his brother John James, and thus the Hardy partnership was created. Soon the Hardy brothers favourite hobby of fishing became there business. To beginthey made fishing rods from lancewood, hickory and greenheart rods were produced, but by 1880, bamboo had been added to the range. The Company was the first manufacturer to invent a system for building rods in hexagonal form from bamboo. The Hardy Palakona bamboo rod won the Company's first exhibition gold medal in 1881. Hardy products only stopped winning when gold medals were no longer presented at such exhibitions. In 1891, the first Hardy "Perfect" reel was patented. This design has stood the test of time, and although there have been one or two minor alterations, the same basic model is manufactured today. Throughout its history, the Company has been responsible for some of the most radical advances in tackle design. It was the first to market bridge rings, spiral lock-fast joints,was the first to feature the check mechanism housed within the reel arbor and introduced the first large arbour reel in 1911. stud-lock joints, split-end joints, and "W" and screw-grip fittings for Salmon and Trout rods. It developed ball bearing reels and The Company's record of innovation is a testament to the wealth of expertise invested in it. Among the three generations of Hardys involved in the firm, there have been some great anglers, beginning with John James who became World Champion Fly Caster. His nephew "LRH" became the most celebrated fly fisherman of his day: his prowess in casting reached almost legendary proportions. James L Hardy (JLH), grandson of the founder William carried on the tradition in tournament casting. He held 25 British National Professional records, 10 British All-Comers Professional records and three times has been World Professional Champion Caster. Jim retired from the company in early 1992 and as a consultant assisted with product development; his long awaited history of the Hardy family was published in 1998. Alnwick, England, became famous as the birthplace of this angling institution and the annual Hardy catalogue became the "bible" for all those who sought either knowledge of, or the best of fishing equipment itself - they have become very collectible items. In 1967 Hardy Brothers (Alnwick) Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Harris & Sheldon Group Ltd.. In spite of the then difficult circumstances, the company survived, with its reputation intact and was the first to patent the graphite fly rod which surpassed fibreglass in performance. A Hardy reel became the holder of the first American Kudos Award for Design Excellence; and in 1984, House of Hardy was the first non-Japanese manufacturer to receive a Japanese Industrial Design Award winning not one but five. In the same year, Hardy (USA) Inc, was established as a marketing subsidiary to handle the growing demand in the American angling market. In 1985, the company name was changed to "House of Hardy Limited" to encompass the new and extended activities. The following year, this exceptional record was rewarded when in April, 1986, the Company received the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. In the Alnwick factory, the company manufactures over 90% of all parts used in the Hardy range of fishing tackle - from split bamboo, glass and carbon fibre rods to the world's most extensive a mecca for the world's game fishing enthusiasts for over 100 years. It's well known that Harry Potter films use the Alnwick Castle as the beautiful movie set, even more tourism is expected to discover Alnwick sit range of fly reels - as well as a comprehensive family of fishing accessories.