William Hardy started the Hardy Bros. in 1872 in Alnwick. The company is one of the most prolific tackle manufactures and is still in business today. The early Hardy brass-faced Perfect reels are some of the most sought after reels by collectors. The reel was introduced in 1891. The design evolved through the years and is still made today. Other names found on Hardy fly and salmon reels are Saint George, Unigua, Silex and Cascapedia. Hardy made the Altex spinning reel and made a Big Game reel model and called it the Zane Grey.
The most interesting casting reel made by Hardy was the Hardy Jock Scott. The HJS reel incorporated a free-spool feature which made it suitable for Tournament casting. The reel was made from 1938 through 1952. Two versions of the reel have been found.
The HARDY JOCK SCOTT Reels
The UNIQUA Fly Reel
The ALTEX No. 2 and No. 3 Spinning Reels