Hardy Princess
The Hardy Princess fly reel is a classic and highly regarded reel from the iconic Hardy Bros. of Alnwick, England. It’s part of their “Lightweight Series” but occupies a unique position, often considered a slightly more robust and versatile option compared to the smaller Flyweight, Featherweight, and LRH Lightweight. The Princess is particularly popular for light to medium line fishing, often targeting trout and smaller salmonids in a variety of freshwater environments.
Key Features:
- Classic and Elegant Design: The Princess boasts a timeless and elegant aesthetic, characterized by its clean lines, smooth finish, and traditional styling. It’s a visually appealing reel that complements classic and modern fly rods alike.
- Lightweight Yet Robust Construction: While part of the Lightweight Series, the Princess often feels slightly more substantial than its smaller counterparts, offering a good balance of lightweight feel and robust build quality. It’s typically machined from high-grade bar stock aluminum.
- Reliable Click and Pawl Drag System: Staying true to Hardy’s heritage, the Princess features a traditional click and pawl drag system. This system provides dependable resistance for playing fish and prevents spool overruns. The distinct clicker sound is a hallmark of these classic reels.
- Versatile Line Capacity: The Princess typically offers a good line capacity, making it suitable for a wider range of fishing scenarios compared to the smaller Lightweight models. It can comfortably handle lines for trout, grayling, and even some smaller salmon species.
- Durable Anodized Finish: The reel is finished with a durable anodized coating, providing excellent protection against corrosion and wear, ensuring longevity even with regular use.
- Easy Conversion for Left or Right Hand Retrieve: The reel can be easily converted to accommodate both left and right-handed anglers.
- Traditional Single Screw Line Guard: The classic single screw line guard is a signature design element of the Hardy Lightweight Series, adding to the reel’s traditional charm and functionality.
- Often Supplied with a Protective Pouch: The reel typically comes with a soft pouch, often made of neoprene or a similar material, for protection during storage and transport.
Specifications:
- Model: Princess
- Line Rating: Typically 4/5/6 wt
- Weight: Approximately 4.1 oz (116g)
- Diameter: Around 3 1/2 inches
- Capacity: WF5 + 75 yards of 20lb backing or WF6 + 50 yards of 20lb backing (may vary slightly)
- Drag System: Click and Pawl
- Material: Bar Stock Aluminum
- Finish: Anodized
- Hand Retrieve: Convertible Left/Right
In summary, the Hardy Princess fly reel is a beloved classic that strikes a wonderful balance between lightweight design and robust construction. Its elegant aesthetics, reliable click and pawl drag, and versatile line capacity make it a popular choice for anglers targeting trout and smaller salmonids in various freshwater environments. It’s a reel that embodies the heritage and quality of Hardy Bros., offering a traditional feel and timeless appeal that many fly fishing enthusiasts appreciate. The Princess often pairs beautifully with a wide range of fly rods, from classic bamboo to modern graphite, providing a satisfying and enjoyable fishing experience.
