The Hardy JLH #7 Commemorative Fly Reel

Glasgow Angling Centre is excited to announce a new Limited edition Hardy Fly reel to commemorate the life of James Leighton Hardy, the last member of the Hardy family to work at the company his grandfather started in 1872, who sadly passed away in July 2012. Demand is expected to be high for these reels with only 85 being made by the craftsmen at the Alnwick company, so it is highly recommended that you contact us to pre order yours as soon as possible to guarantee a reel and to find out which numbers are still available!
Only 85 Commemorative JLH reels will be produced
This limited edition reel has been produced to commemorate the life of the late James Leighton Hardy, after whom the JLH reel was named. Only 85 reels will be made- one for every year of Jim Hardy's life - and these will be highly sought after by Hardy fans worldwide!
Jim Hardy 1927-2012
James Hardy was the last member of the Hardy dynasty to work for the company that his grandfather had founded. Born in Alnwick in 1927, Jim started fishing at the age of 7 and became a very successful angler, winning no less than 38 British and world casting championship titles.

After an apprenticeship at Vickers-Armstrong, he joined the company in the early 1950's and was appointed works director in 1959, leading the firm’s search to develop new materials – a quest which resulted in Hardy’s pioneering range of carbon fibre rods. Jim was also responsible for reel development and introduced one of the firm’s most famous products, the Marquis range, in 1970.

After the takeover by the Harris and Sheldon Group, he took on the role of Marketing Manager and toured the world promoting Hardy products, during a period in which the company won numerous design awards. He retired in 1992 and remained a consultant to the Company until his death.

“My sister Rona and I were fortunate to have our father teach us to fish and, from him we learnt to enjoy the sport in all its glory. It is my hope that you will also have as much pleasure from your purchase of this reel as Rona and I have had fishing with our father.”
Roy Leighton Hardy, son of Jim Hardy.
The original JLH reel - a design classic
The original JLH reel was introduced in 1991, the year before Jim retired and was a piece of classic design that reflected the exacting standards of its namesake. The original range comprised six reels, ranging from a diminutive 2⅞" trout model to a mighty 4" salmon reel and it was one of the first reels that Hardy manufactured from bar-stock alloy, which made it possible to build light, but incredibly strong components which were perfectly matched to carbon fibre rods.

The 1991 reel was the natural successor to the Lightweight range, built since 1936, and it brought the concept up-to-date with an exposed rim, optional left or right hand wind, and a reversible nickel-silver line guard. The range was so popular that it was updated several times, the most significant modifications being the introduction of a powerful disc drag in 2000 and a large arbour range in 2003.

The Hardy JLH #7 Commemorative Reel Features:

• Limited edition of 85 numbered reels
• Based on James Leighton Hardy’s original ‘JLH’ (#7) design
• Wide ranging click check system
• Easily converted from left-hand to right-hand wind
• Unique commemorative engraving
• Wooden handle
• Stunning ‘Rose Gold’ finish
• Supplied in a Hardy Bros. block leather horseshoe reel case
• Hardy Bros. lifetime original owner warranty

Weight - 125g / 4.4oz, Diameter - 88mm, Capacity - DT7+100m 20lb Dacron

The click-check system on the JLH can be adjusted by simply turning the regulator button on the face of the frame: clockwise to increase the check; anti-clockwise to decrease the check. When the reel is not in use, the check should be turned to the minimum setting. The reel is easily converted from left-hand to right-hand wind.

A limited number of reels will be available from Glasgow Angling Centre and will be sold on a first come first served basis, please contact us HERE to register your interest.

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