Hardy Fly Reels

Hardy Fly Reels: Iconic Design Meets Unrivalled Performance

Hardy fly reels are a symbol of fly fishing excellence, combining timeless design with advanced engineering to deliver smooth, reliable performance on the water. From its historic origins, Hardy has crafted reels that have earned legendary status among anglers for their impeccable build quality and flawless functionality.

The Hardy Story

The Hardy story began in 1872 in Alnwick, Northumberland, when William Hardy established his shop, soon joined by his brother John James. While initially gunsmiths, an advertisement in 1874 marked their entry into fishing tackle, a move that would define their legacy.

This partnership blossomed, driven by JJ's inventive mind and William's financial acumen. They quickly moved beyond simply selling tackle, realizing the need to manufacture their own superior quality products. This led to the launch of their most famous creation, the Perfect reel, in 1891, setting a precedent for in-house innovation.

The Hardy Reel Advantage

Choosing a Hardy fly reel means selecting an instrument that provides a tangible advantage and elevates your angling experience, particularly for those seeking premium, high performance options.

Legendary Designs: Hardy is famed for iconic reels like the Perfect, Cascapedia, Bougle, and Marquis. These models blend historical aesthetics with modern manufacturing, offering both collector's appeal and superb fishing utility.

Precision Engineering: Built from premium materials such as aerospace grade aluminium and stainless steel, Hardy reels are designed for durability and lightweight performance. Their robust construction ensures they can withstand harsh conditions.

Flawless Drag Systems: From traditional click check mechanisms, providing classic audible feedback, to advanced sealed disc drags that deliver powerful, consistent stopping power, Hardy offers precise control for every fishing scenario.

Optimised for Performance: Whether battling a hard running salmon, a delicate trout, or an aggressive saltwater species, Hardy reels provide the strength, balance, and smooth operation needed to manage your line and control the fight.

Reel Technology & Design

Hardy fly reels embody a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge technology. Each reel is a product of meticulous attention to detail and rigorous quality control.

Iconic Architecture: From the enduring design of the Perfect reel, continuously produced since 1891, to modern large arbor designs, Hardy's reels showcase a commitment to both heritage and innovation.

Material Excellence: Reels are constructed from high grade materials like machined bar stock aluminium, ensuring exceptional strength to weight ratios and corrosion resistance, vital for both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Advanced Drag Systems: Hardy employs a variety of drag technologies. Their sealed disc drag systems offer smooth, heat dissipating performance, while click check drags provide a satisfying audible experience and reliable line control for classic applications.

Balanced Functionality: Every reel is designed for optimal balance with fly rods, ensuring comfort during long fishing days and efficient line management when casting and retrieving.

FAQs

What makes Hardy reels legendary? Hardy reels are renowned for their timeless designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and the use of high quality materials. Models like the Perfect, Cascapedia, and Bougle have set industry standards for performance and aesthetics for over a century.

Are Hardy reels suitable for saltwater fishing? Yes, Hardy produces specific reel series designed with sealed drag systems and corrosion resistant components, engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater environments and battle aggressive species like tarpon and bonefish.

How do I choose the right size Hardy reel? Selecting the correct size depends on balancing it with your fly rod and ensuring adequate line and backing capacity for your target species. Lighter reels typically suit lighter rods for trout, while larger, more robust reels are essential for salmon or big game saltwater fishing.

What is a click check drag versus a disc drag? A click check drag provides audible feedback and light resistance, primarily preventing line overrun. A disc drag system uses multiple friction surfaces to offer powerful, adjustable, and smooth stopping power for fighting large fish. Hardy offers both, catering to different angler preferences and fishing demands.

How should I care for my Hardy reel? After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse the reel thoroughly with fresh water. Periodically clean the drag system and apply a small amount of reel grease to moving parts as per Hardy’s instructions. Store in a protective case in a dry environment.

Warranty Information

Every new Hardy reel is warranted to be free from material defects in design, material, and workmanship for a period of 5 years (or the period stated in the leaflet provided with your reel) from the original purchase date. This warranty is in addition to your statutory rights in relation to faulty or misdescribed products. It does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse, or lost parts. If purchased from us, Angling Active can assist with your warranty claim.