I wanted to expand on my last blog on the growth in popularity of carved fish and especially with reference to the late Russian guide and carver Nick Podolski and an interesting pair of very large Hardy Wye fish we have here, but Dave had other plans for me!
Another trip round the M25 found me viewing an amazing collection of modern Hardy rods and reels. Over 120 in total and some of the finest tackle Hardy have ever made, with virtually all, made in the Alnwick factory. I say modern but some of this tackle is over 50 years old now and perhaps should better be called Classic? Or Retro even; that seems a popular term nowadays.
The collection includes 28 Hardy Gold Sovereign reels mainly in the limited-edition versions. These are becoming very scarce these days especially in mint or unused condition. A similar number of Hardy Sovereign rods in graphite and many unused, all in correct rod sleeves. An 18ft Hardy favourite salmon rod is another rare item.
Many of the items could genuinely be termed modern including Angel, Elite and Origin Salmon rods. Angel, Fortuna, Bougle Heritage and Zane reels fall into the same category.
If you are interested in Hardy tackle from the last 50 years then Dave will be listing all 120 items very soon. A rare opportunity.
Going back to the carved fish and late Nick Podolsky I met him many years ago when salmon fishing on the Umba in Russia. He guided me for a week and over the coming years we became good friends. An amazing guide who used to carve mainly salmon during the long winters. I purchased around 25 ‘fish’ from him over the years many for display in Farlows. I have decided to sell most of my collection including char, trout, arctic grayling, large-mouth bass and a large milkfish (the only one he carved?) caught off the Seychelles. More on that in the next newsletter.
