Hardy St Andrew
The Hardy St. Andrew fly reel is a classic and highly sought-after reel from Hardy Bros. of Alnwick, England. It belongs to their “Perfect” series, a line renowned for its timeless design, robust construction, and enduring quality. The St. Andrew is particularly admired for its balance of traditional aesthetics and functional performance, often favored by anglers targeting salmon and steelhead, but also suitable for larger trout and other species.
Key Features:
- Classic “Perfect” Design: The St. Andrew embodies the iconic “Perfect” reel design, characterized by its distinctive circular frame, central spindle, and traditional features. This design has remained largely unchanged for over a century, a testament to its effectiveness and aesthetic appeal.
- Robust and Durable Construction: Machined from high-grade bar stock aluminum, the St. Andrew is built to withstand the demands of targeting larger, powerful fish. Its sturdy construction ensures longevity and reliability in challenging conditions.
- Traditional Click and Pawl Drag System: While some modern Hardy reels feature disc drags, the St. Andrew typically utilizes a traditional click and pawl drag system. This system provides reliable resistance to prevent overruns and can be adjusted to apply pressure when fighting fish. The audible click is a signature feature and part of the reel’s charm.
- Spool with Line Guard: The reel features a traditional spool design with a line guard, which helps to prevent the line from slipping off the side of the spool.
- Ergonomic Handle: The handle is designed for comfortable and secure grip, allowing for efficient line retrieval even when under load.
- Beautiful Finish: The St. Andrew often features a beautiful anodized or painted finish, contributing to its classic appearance and providing corrosion resistance.
- Collectibility: Due to its classic design, high quality, and association with a prestigious brand, the Hardy St. Andrew is often considered a collectible reel, with older models fetching significant prices.
- Supplied with a Protective Case: The reel typically comes with a protective case, often made of leather or a similar material, reflecting its premium status.
Specifications (Specifications can vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of manufacture, but here’s a general overview):
- Model: St. Andrew (often with a size designation like 3 3/8″, 3 5/8″, 3 7/8″, 4″)
- Line Rating: Designed for heavier line weights suitable for salmon, steelhead, and larger trout, typically ranging from #6/7 up to #9/10 or even higher.
- Weight: Heavier than the Lightweight series reels due to the robust construction, typically ranging from around 7 to 10 ounces depending on the size.
- Diameter: Larger diameters to accommodate more line and backing, often ranging from 3 3/8 inches to 4 inches.
- Capacity: Significant backing capacity to handle long runs from powerful fish. For example, a 3 7/8″ model might hold WF8 + 200 yards of 30lb backing.
- Drag System: Traditional click and pawl with adjustable tension.
- Material: Machined from bar stock aluminum.
- Finish: Anodized or painted finish.
- Hand Retrieve: Typically available in right-hand wind, but some models can be converted.
In summary, the Hardy St. Andrew fly reel is a timeless classic, highly prized for its traditional “Perfect” design, robust construction, and reliable performance. It’s a reel that embodies the heritage and craftsmanship of Hardy Bros., making it a joy to use and own, particularly for anglers targeting larger fish like salmon and steelhead. While it utilizes a traditional click and pawl drag system, its enduring design and build quality have made it a favorite among anglers who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality. The St. Andrew is more than just a fishing tool; it’s often seen as a piece of fly fishing history.
