James L Hardy (JLH), grandson of the founder William, carried on the tradition in tournament casting. His nephew 'LRH' became the most celebrated fly fisherman of his day: his prowess in casting reached almost legendary proportions. Among the three generations of Hardy's involved in the firm, there have been some great anglers, beginning with John James who became World Champion Fly Caster. The Company's record of innovation is a testament to the wealth of expertise invested in it.

It developed ball bearing reels and was the first to feature the check mechanism housed within the reel arbour and introduced the first large arbour reel in 1911. It was the first to market bridge rings, spiral lock-fast joints, stud-lock joints, split-end joints, and 'W' and screw-grip fittings for salmon and trout rods. Throughout its history, the Company has been responsible for some of the most radical advances in tackle design.

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. In 1891, the first Hardy 'Perfect' reel was patented. Hardy products only stopped winning when gold medals were no longer presented at such exhibitions. The Hardy Palakona bamboo rod won the Company's first exhibition gold medal in 1881. The Company was the first manufacturer to invent a system for building rods in hexagonal form from bamboo. To begin with, lancewood, hickory and greenheart rods were produced, but, by 1880, bamboo had been added to the range. Their favourite hobby became their profession, and the reputation of Hardy rods and reels was born. However, despite their success, the Hardy brothers' passion for fishing soon dictated a change in direction. The high quality guns which they sold ranged from shotguns to pistols.

A year later he was joined by his brother, John James, and the Hardy Brothers Partnership came into being. Hardy history began in 1872, when William Hardy established himself as a gunsmith in his home town of Alnwick, Northumberland. Such reputations are not acquired easily, but it has never faltered throughout the Company's long history. The History Of Hardy History - Since 1872Īll over the globe, there are people who love to fish and in the universal language of the sport, one name reigns supreme - that of Hardy.įor well over a century, Hardy has been renowned as the manufacturer of the finest game fishing tackle in the world - the name is synonymous with quality and excellence.

Hardy fly rod serial numbers