Hardy Cascapedia
The Hardy Cascapedia fly reel is a legendary and highly sought-after reel from Hardy Bros. of Alnwick, England. Renowned for its robust construction, powerful drag system, and distinctive spiral drum design, the Cascapedia has earned a reputation as a premier reel for targeting large, powerful fish, particularly salmon and steelhead. While it has evolved over the years, the core essence of its design and performance remains highly valued by anglers.
Key Features:
- Distinctive Spiral Drum Design: The most immediately recognizable feature of the Cascapedia is its spiral drum. This design not only contributes to its classic aesthetic but also provides exceptional strength and rigidity to the spool, crucial for handling the immense pressure from large fish.
- Robust and Durable Construction: Machined from high-grade bar stock aluminum, the Cascapedia is built to withstand the immense pressures exerted by large, hard-fighting fish. Its solid construction ensures longevity and reliability in demanding conditions, often lasting for generations with proper care.
- Powerful and Adjustable Brake System: The Cascapedia is equipped with a robust and adjustable brake system, designed to provide the stopping power and smooth performance needed to control powerful runs from salmon and steelhead. The specific type of brake system has evolved over different iterations of the reel, ranging from traditional spring and pawl mechanisms in older models to more modern disc drag systems in contemporary versions. Regardless of the system, it is engineered for reliability and strength.
- Large Arbor Option (Modern Versions): While older models had a more traditional arbor size, many modern Cascapedia reels feature a large arbor design. This allows for faster line retrieval, which is crucial when keeping up with fast-moving fish, and also helps to reduce line memory, leading to better casting performance.
- Saltwater Safe: The Cascapedia is generally considered saltwater safe due to its robust construction and corrosion-resistant materials and finishes. This makes it suitable for coastal salmon and steelhead fishing, as well as other saltwater species.
- Ergonomic Handle: The reel is designed with an ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet and under significant pressure from a fighting fish.
- Audible Clicker: The reel often features a satisfying audible clicker on both the retrieve and when line is being taken out, a characteristic that many anglers appreciate, providing both a tactile and auditory indication of the reel’s function.
- Beautiful Finish: The Cascapedia typically boasts a high-quality anodized finish, often in a classic silver or gold, providing excellent protection against scratches and corrosion while enhancing its timeless appearance.
- Collectibility: Due to its heritage, build quality, iconic design, and association with prestigious game fishing, the Hardy Cascapedia is highly sought after by collectors, with older and rarer models commanding significant value.
- Supplied with a Protective Case: The reel usually comes with a protective case, often made of leather or a similar high-quality material, reflecting its status as a premium reel and ensuring its safe storage and transport.
Specifications (Specifications can vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture, but here’s a general overview):
- Model: Cascapedia (often with a size designation like 4″, 4 1/4″, 4 1/2″, etc.)
- Line Rating: Designed for heavier line weights suitable for salmon and steelhead, typically ranging from #7/8 up to #10/11 or even higher.
- Weight: Heavier than many trout reels due to its robust construction, typically ranging from around 8 to 12 ounces depending on the size.
- Diameter: Larger diameters to accommodate more line and backing, often ranging from 4 inches to 4.5 inches or more.
- Capacity: Significant backing capacity to handle the long runs of powerful fish. For example, a 4 1/4″ model might hold WF9 + 250 yards of 30lb backing.
- Drag System: Varies depending on the model, but generally a powerful and adjustable system, either a traditional spring and pawl or a more modern disc drag.
- Material: Machined from bar stock aluminum.
- Finish: Anodized, often in silver or gold.
- Hand Retrieve: Typically available in right-hand wind, but some models can be converted.
In summary, the Hardy Cascapedia fly reel is a legendary workhorse, renowned for its strength, reliability, and iconic spiral drum design. It’s a top choice for anglers targeting large, powerful fish like salmon and steelhead, offering the robustness and drag power needed to handle these challenging species. Its classic aesthetics, enduring quality, and rich history have also made it a highly desirable reel for collectors and anglers who appreciate the finest tackle. Owning a Cascapedia is often seen as owning a piece of fly fishing heritage.
