Hardy Brothers: World-renowned fishing tackle manufacturer
Established in 1872, Hardy Brothers is a world-renowned manufacturer of fishing tackle. Founded in Alnwick in Northumberland by William Hardy and John James (“JJ”) Hardy, sons of a respected gunsmith, the company began on a small factory premise with local tradesmen and women crafting by hand high-quality fishing rods, tackle, and flies.
During the 19th and early 20th century, the company won the attention of anglers, and in particular British royalty, for their excellence in craftsmanship and innovation, creating ‘superior River and Sea Fishing tackle’. At this time, these products were in high demand as fly fishing grew in popularity as a recreational activity.
The company became known for advancing the design of fishing rods using new materials such as split bamboo, and also fly fishing reels - particularly when the eponymous ‘Hardy Perfect Reel’ was launched in 1891.
Committed to excellence
Image credit: Hardy Fishing
Throughout their lives, the brothers led the business, sharing their passion for craftsmanship, precision engineering, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. Being based in Northumberland, they would use Hardy gear firsthand in local rivers and streams, helping to steer technical developments and design. Over time, Hardy Brothers gained a long standing reputation for excellence.
The Hardy Perfect Reel
Image credit: Hardy Fishing
While William Hardy did not invent the reel himself, his name became somewhat synonymous with the product. Introduced to the market in 1891, the Hardy Perfect reel was renowned for its durability and precision design. Its unique cage structure protected the inner mechanisms, ensuring a smooth operation when catching fish little and large.
Overtime the design evolved, but stayed true to its core. The reel was produced uninterrupted until 1967 when there was a hiatus in production. At the bequest of keen American anglers, the Perfect began production again in 1976 (thank goodness!).
Even now, the Hardy Perfect Reel has a distinctive style and classic look - some say it’s one of the most iconic pieces of fishing tackle ever made.
Turn of the century
Image credit: Hardy Fishing
In 1897, the Hardy Brothers opened their first shop at 61 Pall Mall in Piccadilly. By this point, the Hardy annual fishing-only catalogue (also know as the ‘Anglers’ Bible’) had been in circulation nationwide for 15 years, and the shop soon took credit as the world’s most famous fishing store.
Sadly the premise at 61 Pall Mall closed despite great success even up to the 1970s and 80s as the cost of split bamboo rods rose through the roof, and Hardy Brothers found themselves competing with much cheaper copies being produced and sold from the South-East Asia market.
150 years on, Hardy Brothers is still going strong and celebrated as a world-leader in fishing tackle, rods, lines and accessories. Famous customers past and present include Sean Connery, Ernest Hemingway, Dwight Eisenhower, Ted Hughes, and King Charles.
F&F Roundup: Hardy Brothers Fishing Gear
Here are our top picks from Hardy’s fishing collection.
Looking for some new gear? Visit Hardy Fishing here.
All image credit goes to Hardy Fishing.