In relation to my column yesterday regarding old Fly reels, I have found this encouraging news for all of us Salmon Junkies who like fly reels build for serious salmon fishing
Hardy reintroduce the famous Perfect Salmon Reels
Since the first Hardy Perfect reel was designed by Foster Hardy in the Alnwick Factory, Anglers around the globe have agreed that the Hardy Perfect reel is indeed the ultimate in Salmon Fly Reels.
Many years have passed since Foster worked on his ‘apprentice’ powered treadle lathe to produce the first ‘Perfect’ reel, and countless reels of different designs have been sold by numerous fishing tackle companies, but none have stood the test of time like the Hardy Perfect.
Although Foster’s original design has undergone several design updates in the last 121 years, the sound principal which Foster originally patented in December 1888 still remains in the Salmon Perfect we are manufacturing in our Alnwick Factory today.
The 2010 salmon Perfect takes the best features from the various designs over the years – check mechanism and dimensions from the 1921 Perfect, the 1972 reel back and a plate design which echoes that of 1912 Perfect. Combine these with Barstock Aluminium construction, 18 stainless steel ball bearing race, ivorine type handle and revolving line guard, and the fact that the Perfect reel design has been undergoing field testing since 1921 (dup. MkII version) The reel come in diameter – 4″ and 41/4″
Spool width – 1 11/32″
Revolving line guide
18 steel ball bearing race
Another famous reel from Hardy also reintroduced in 2010 – St George Salmon Reels
The St George Salmon was first introduced in 1920, then, in 1921, the design was changed to incorporate the ‘silent wind in’ action. The St George Salmon remained in production for 5 years and now, 90 years later, Hardy will once again be manufacturing St George Salmon reels, based on the original 1920 design, in it’s Alnwick Factory.
“The St George Salmon reels were incredibly advanced for their day. Using a mid arbour spool, these reels were also fitted as standard with such innovative features as a circular revolving line guard, twin handles and compensating check.
“Today Hardy have taken the same features and incorporated them into a fully bar stock version of the reel which is available with a mid arbour #9/10 spool and a standard arbour #11/12 spool.”
6061 barstock aluminium construction
Anodised for corrosion protection and scratch resistance
Frame is common to both sizes therefore spools are interchangeable
Revolving line guide
Reel diameter – 4 ¼”
Spool width – 1 5/16″
Tight lines
Steffen