Hardy had been a serious contender in the coarse market for much of its life and utilised the talents of leading names like Fred Buller and Richard Walker in its rod designs of the mid/late 20th Century. However, by 2000, the company had dropped out of coarse entirely. New MD, Richard Sanderson hired well known […]
Category Archives: Hardy
14
May
May
An interesting letter popped out of a rod tube this week, dated 5th January 1990, now three decades ago. The original letter was enquiring about the date of manufacture and model style of a particular rod. The Hardy reply answers a question we are constantly asked. Shall I repair, restore or replace my cane rod? […]
07
May
May
We all use the term on a regular basis, but what actually is a Palakona cane rod? In 1882 Hardy invented a revolutionary system of building hexagonal-shaped or formed rods from lengths of split bamboo strip. Trade mark No 246936, they are sought after worldwide by collectors and anglers in equal numbers. All the cane […]
01
Feb
Feb
This is the most common question we receive relating to split cane rods. Hardy introduced their new split cane rods in 1882. At the International Fisheries Exhibition of 1883 they won a Gold Medal for the product; the name being used for decades after. They pioneered the design, build and quality of this new method […]
26
Jan
Jan
With the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the reference to the Sovereign brought about a conversation with our I.T guru Colin. A northeast lad of some years he has salmon fished all his life. His local river the Tyne once again has a prolific run of fish. He told me they can be” finicky […]
15
Sep
Sep
With only 77 reels produced by Hardy between 1924 and 1930, this is one of the rarest fly reels produced in 2 variant models. The word “Fortuna” is registered under N 5909 in the Irish Free State and made under license “Andreas Patent No 12340”. The 3.5” model started life in 1924 following the launch […]
18
May
May
THE GREYS FACTOR During my days as Product Development Manager at Hardy and Greys, apart from the second coming of Marksman Supero rods, I was also involved in a massive launch of Greys Prodigy gear. This included everything from rods and reels, to floats and line. I got all those involved out on the bank […]
28
Apr
Apr
FROM ESSEX TO ALNWICK I began working for Hardy and Greys while living in Essex. One of my favourite haunts at the time was Gloucester Park Lake in Basildon. Mick Toomer ran regular matches there throughout the winter and the roach fishing was superb. This massive haul of red fins even beat the carpers. Only […]
04
Nov
Nov
It’s been a busy week buying tackle in the West Country for Thomas Turner, with one large collection consisting of 17 Hardy Reels and eight Hardy rods, plus a Hardy Pall Mall Centenary Set consisting of an 8’ Gold Medal split cane rod and a 2 5/8” Hardy All Brass Perfect ‘Houghton’ Reel mounted within […]
29
Sep
Sep
Hardy had much to crow about in 1966. The new Willowburn factory was completed and opened by His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. The new symbol of a fly set inside a castle wall was developed, signifying that Hardy tackle is made to last. They continued the building of Palakona bamboo rods, handmade reels and […]