Even Hardy fly fishing rods need to be re-"invented" in today's competitive fishing tackle market.

Despite the company being among the few "historical" companies (it was founded 1872 by William Hardy, a gunsmith) they are well aware that they cannot sleep on glory and have been heading full power into products development and initiatives such as the Hardy Grey Academy to captivate customers and shine.

The Hardy Fly Fishing Rods History

William Hardy created the company in Alnwick, Northumberland, (NorthEast England) and it's still there. To make a long story short, from the original family business today the "House of Hardy" is part of the Harrys and Sheldon Group which comprehends several interests including (guess it?) composites, fishing tackle, properties and more.

Here is an overview that I drew:

History in summary:

• 1872: Williams Hardy founded the company but as a gunsmith operation. His brother John james joined in the following year. Fishing rods were being made on the side with different woods (lancewood, hickory and greenheart) but by 1880 the first Hardy bamboo rods also appeared. The fishing aspect took over the gunsmithing operation gradually.
• 1891: the first Hardy "Perfect" reel was patented. Innovations such as ball bearings and others in design improvements catapulted the company to the reim of excellence.
• 1911: the first large harbour reel ever made
• 1928: the company went public (Hardy Brothers (Alnwick) Limited)
• 1939-45: Second World War. The company had to convert to make ammunitions
• 1967: became a subsidiary of Harrys and Sheldon Group
• late '70s: worse financial crisis
• 1984: USA operation started (Hardy (USA) Inc.)
• 1985: name changed in House of Hardy Limited
• 1987: Hardy Museum in Alnwick, Uk, was inaugurated
• 1988: entering the clothing business
• Recent years: consolidation, specialization (e.g. carp fishing) and acquisitions (e.g. Fishpong, Chub, FinFly)

Curiosity: the Harry Potter movie's castle is actually in Alnwick and this notoriety is increasing the number of visitors to the town and so to the Hardy retail store there.

Hardy still makes bamboo fly fishing rods of the best quality today.

And of course, Hardy products are well sought after by collectors, including their famous catalog! For an overview of their rods and reels, here is a list taken from the Internet (source www.hardyrodsandgreyscanada.com)

Today, Hardy products range varies from fly fishing rods, to spinning rods, to fishing reels, fishing lines, accessories and clothes.

Contact:

Hardy & Greys Limited
Willowburn,
Alnwick,
Northumberland,
NE66 2PF
England

Tel: +44 (0)1665 602771
Fax: +44 (0)1665 602389

Email: sales@hardygreys.com

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