The House of Hardy represents what can only be called one of the most iconic names within the world of sport fishing. Producing tackle and rods alongside bespoke reels, this firm has always been committed to providing discerning fishermen with the materials that are required to enjoy this activity to its fullest. In order to appreciate where Hardy may be headed in the future, it is necessary to take a look at their past history. Many fans will be surprised at the eclectic nature of this world-renowned manufacturer.
The Formative Years
The company was created in 1872 when gunsmith William Hardy began producing rifles and pistols for the local Northumberland community. It was not long before his brother John became a partner and while they were certainly talented gunsmiths, the soon began focusing their passions towards producing high-quality fishing equipment.
The company gained recognition when they began to produce hexagonal rods during the 1880s. Their “Palakona” rod was particularly popular within the fishing community. This was soon followed by the “Perfect” Hardy reel; a design that has changed little over the years. Some of the other reels which are considered to represent true engineering feats include:
- The Fortuna (1921-1966)
- The Cascapedia (1932-1939)
- The Alma (1925-1937)
- The Zane Grey (1928-1957)
- The Jock Scott (1938-1952)
These and other innovations gained such popularity that King George V himself actually sent a birthday telegram to Thomas Hardy. While their reels were without a doubt impressive, many believe that the true scope of their talent can be seen in the fishing rods themselves (particularly those fashioned from bamboo). Let’s take a look at why the name Hardy is synonymous with quality and integrity.
A Look at Hardy Bamboo Rods
It is first worth mentioning that the Hardy brothers had no experience with fashioning bamboo rods. In fact, they first consulted with a cabinetmaker and asked him to create a similar item. Having witnessed the basic construction process of steaming and forming split bamboo, the brothers began experimenting with fittings. These fittings were soon patented by the brothers and they became known as “Lockfast” joints. We should note that these very same fittings were one of the reasons why their bamboo rods became so popular. They were known to be vastly superior when compared to other contemporary pieces of the time. This is also the reason why their three-piece range (between 10 and 20 feet) remained in production until 1968. When they won the gold medal at the Great International Fisheries Exhibition as far back as 1883, it was already apparent that their bamboo rods were a cut above the rest.
By 1885, Hardy was producing a total of 17 different types of rods. Eight of these were constructed of split bamboo. These included the four-piece variant known as the “Portmanteau”. They also produced three-piece rods as long as 18 feet (the “Kelson” salmon rod is an example). There ere even telescopic bamboo rods offered; the “Redspinner” rod was the most prominent. Still, it can be argued that their one-piece bamboo rods were the most popular during the late 1800s and well into the first half of the 1900s. The brothers stated that one-piece models were much more reliable than their segmented counterparts. This was due in no small part to the inclusion of the patented ferrules mentioned earlier. It is therefore understandable that their range expanded to no fewer than 27 rods by the turn of the century.
Engineers and Artisans
While the use of split bamboo by the Hardy brothers is certainly one of the reasons why the firm has enjoyed so much popularity over the years, it should also be mentioned that they approached the design process with the eye of an engineer. In other words, they would objectively examine the functionality of a piece and try to improve upon its existing faults. Thus, a continuous sense of quality improvement was achieved. Some of the features which served to define their advanced design concepts included:
- Screw-grip fittings.
- Split-end joints.
- Bridge rings
- Spiral locking joints
When these instruments were combined with the lightweight and flexible nature of their split bamboo rods, it was only logical that enthusiasts were so eager to experience their benefits.
Onward and Upward
The House of Hardy continues to provide innovative sport fishing solutions into these modern times. While their line of bamboo rods is certainly impressive, they have taken forays into other sectors such as composite tubes. Some of these concepts have even been applied to other industries such as the production of racing car components. It is clear to see that Hardy bamboo rods and their selection of tackle are here to stay.