Thomas Turner
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In the world of angling, certain names resonate with a rich legacy, and ‘Hardy Brothers’ is undoubtedly one of them. Founded in the 1870s by the visionary siblings, William and John James Hardy, in the quaint town of Alnwick, England, this brand has bestowed the fishing community with exceptional tackle ranging from reels, rods, and various other accessories.
While the iconic split cane rods and the modern graphite versions are well-known, there’s a captivating chapter in Hardy’s history dedicated to their glass fibre rods. Dive with us into this fascinating tale of craftsmanship from the mid-20th century.
Fiberglass, essentially woven strands bonded with resin, might be a tad weightier than the prevalent graphite rods today. However, its unique casting action makes it a favourite among a certain group of anglers.
From the breezy 1950s to the bustling 1970s, the angling world saw a transition from the traditional split cane (bamboo) rods to the durable and consistent fiberglass ones.
If you’ve ever wielded a fiberglass rod, you’ll appreciate its parabolic action. Unlike the tip-focused action of many modern rods, fiberglass offers an even bend throughout, ideal for those delicate casting moments.
Throughout the years, Hardy graced the market with several models of glass fibre rods, see below some of the examples, which are available on the Thomas Turner website.
While the vintage split cane rods have always enjoyed their day in the sun, there’s a niche yet passionate group of collectors and anglers with a soft spot for vintage fiberglass rods, cherishing them for their rich history and aesthetic appeal.
Interestingly, the 21st century has witnessed a rekindled love affair with fiberglass rods. Modern-day craftsmen are blending the old-world charm of fiberglass with contemporary design nuances. Such a revival only accentuates the allure of vintage Hardy glass fibre rods.
Whether it’s the nostalgia or the distinctive casting experience, Hardy’s glass fibre rods stand as a testament to timeless craftsmanship in the ever-evolving world of angling.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Hardy glass fibre rods, of which we have a large selection on our website.
The “Matchmaker” is one of the more recognised Hardy glass fibre rod models, especially among those who are into vintage fishing tackle. It was designed predominantly for coarse fishing, which is particularly popular in the UK. The Matchmaker rods came in various lengths to suit different angling needs. Common lengths included 11, 12, and 13 feet, but there were other variations as well, such as a 13ft.
This three-piece 13ft hollow glass match float rod, dates c 1970’s. Factory original throughout, with orange whipped guides, 25″ cork handle, sliding alloy reel rings and rubber butt cap. Light and easy to handle. These iconic rods are great for silver fish to tench and even barbel. This one comes in the makers original cloth bag. Click here to view on our website.
Richard Walker was a significant figure in the development and popularisation of glass fibre rods, recognising their potential in the mid-20th century when the material became more accessible. In collaboration with Hardy, Walker was involved in the design of several glass fibre rods. Here is a brief look at some of the fiberglass rods produced under the Richard Walker name with Hardy:
A rare opportunity to purchase a piece of angling history, this Hardy Richard Walker Reservoir Superlite rod was given by Richard Walker to his late son Tim Walker in the early eighties. The rod is a well-used example, a 9,3″ two-piece brown hollow fibre glass. Click here to view on our website.
This Hardy Richard Walker Reservoir Superlite 9’3” 2-piece hollow glass fly rod is in a rare black finish. This is the last of the model range before carbon came on the scene. Olive whipped guides. Line rated #7/8. Suited to trout and grayling fishing. Comes complete with the maker’s original cloth bag. Click here to view on our website.
The Hardy Fred Taylor Trotter is another rod in the Hardy lineup that resonates well with enthusiasts of traditional angling. Fred J. Taylor was another influential figure in the world of angling, much like Richard Walker. Fred Taylor was known for his writing on angling topics and his commitment to traditional fishing methods, especially when it came to coarse fishing.
As with the Richard Walker series, the Fred Taylor Trotter was a product of collaboration between the named angler and Hardy. Fred Taylor’s insights into traditional trotting methods influenced the design.
The rod was primarily designed for trotting, a technique used in river fishing where the bait is allowed to “trot” or flow downstream with the current, a particularly effective method for species like chub, roach, and grayling.
Just like the Richard Walker series, the Fred Taylor Trotter is a reflection of the period’s emphasis on angler-led design. Rods were crafted with specific fishing methods in mind, and the collaboration between renowned anglers and established companies like Hardy resulted in tackle that was both functional and had a lasting legacy.
One of the rarest of the Avon pattern rods from Hardy. This Fred Taylor Trotter is one of the rarer versions as it has a black finish with green whips. Click here to view on our website.
The above Fred Taylor Trotter has the more traditional yellow whippings tipped in red with the brown blank. Click here to view on our website.
The Hardy Fibalite rods, were, as the name suggests, constructed from fiberglass. Many of the Fibalite rods came with lined guides to reduce line wear, a screw winch reel seat, and often a full or partial cork handle. The craftsmanship that Hardy was known for was evident in these rods. There were several rods in the range to cater for different angling pursuits:
Fibalite Spinning: For freshwater and light saltwater spinning.
Fibalite Fly: Designed specifically for fly fishing.
Fibalite Perfection: A more general-purpose rod.
Fibalite Carp: Targeting carp anglers.
Fibalite Match: Catering to match fishing enthusiasts.
The above is a 1970’s Hardy Fibalite Perfection two piece hollow glass trout fly rod. Line rate #7/8, this has the classic brown glass blank, with guides whipped yellow and tipped red with brown spigot ferrule, cork handle with up screw alloy reel fitting. View this item on the website here.
The above is a Hardy Fibalite Spinning, 6ft hollow glass spinning rod. One of the rarest of the range, this delicate little rod is ideal for perch chub trout and grayling fishing. It has a brown finish with olive whippings, spigot ferrule and an 8.5” cork handle with sliding alloy reel rings. Click here to view this on our website.
A very fine Hardy Fibalite Salmon fly rod. 12’6″, line rating #9. With low bridge guides whipped gold and tipped in red. 25” cork handle with screw alloy winch fitting. To view on our website click here.
The range also had traveller versions like this fantastic Hardy Smuggler Fibalite 8′ line #6. With its original alloy stoppers and complete with its original Hardy beige 4-piece blue cloth rod bag. Click here to view on our website!
We have many other rods from this era, such as Hardy Longbow, Hardy Mooching, Hardy Invincible, so if you are interested take a look at our website or get in touch!
New products are coming in all the time, so if there is something that you are after and we do not have it in stock, let us know and we can put you on our ‘watch list’.
Dave Townsend
07535 590617 / 01275 261099
davetownsend@thomasturner.com
The post The Timeless Charm of Hardy Glass Fibre Rods appeared first on Thomas Turner Fishing Antiques.
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While the iconic split cane rods and the modern graphite versions are well-known, there’s a captivating chapter in Hardy’s history dedicated to their glass fibre rods. Dive with us into this fascinating tale of craftsmanship from the mid-20th century.
The Era of Glass Fibre Rods
- The Material’s Allure:
Fiberglass, essentially woven strands bonded with resin, might be a tad weightier than the prevalent graphite rods today. However, its unique casting action makes it a favourite among a certain group of anglers.
- Peak Popularity:
From the breezy 1950s to the bustling 1970s, the angling world saw a transition from the traditional split cane (bamboo) rods to the durable and consistent fiberglass ones.
- The Signature Action:
If you’ve ever wielded a fiberglass rod, you’ll appreciate its parabolic action. Unlike the tip-focused action of many modern rods, fiberglass offers an even bend throughout, ideal for those delicate casting moments.
- Notable Models:
Throughout the years, Hardy graced the market with several models of glass fibre rods, see below some of the examples, which are available on the Thomas Turner website.
- A Collector’s Dream:
While the vintage split cane rods have always enjoyed their day in the sun, there’s a niche yet passionate group of collectors and anglers with a soft spot for vintage fiberglass rods, cherishing them for their rich history and aesthetic appeal.
- The Fiberglass Resurgence:
Interestingly, the 21st century has witnessed a rekindled love affair with fiberglass rods. Modern-day craftsmen are blending the old-world charm of fiberglass with contemporary design nuances. Such a revival only accentuates the allure of vintage Hardy glass fibre rods.
Whether it’s the nostalgia or the distinctive casting experience, Hardy’s glass fibre rods stand as a testament to timeless craftsmanship in the ever-evolving world of angling.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the Hardy glass fibre rods, of which we have a large selection on our website.
The Hardy Matchmaker
The “Matchmaker” is one of the more recognised Hardy glass fibre rod models, especially among those who are into vintage fishing tackle. It was designed predominantly for coarse fishing, which is particularly popular in the UK. The Matchmaker rods came in various lengths to suit different angling needs. Common lengths included 11, 12, and 13 feet, but there were other variations as well, such as a 13ft.
This three-piece 13ft hollow glass match float rod, dates c 1970’s. Factory original throughout, with orange whipped guides, 25″ cork handle, sliding alloy reel rings and rubber butt cap. Light and easy to handle. These iconic rods are great for silver fish to tench and even barbel. This one comes in the makers original cloth bag. Click here to view on our website.
The Hardy Richard Walker fibre glass range
Richard Walker was a significant figure in the development and popularisation of glass fibre rods, recognising their potential in the mid-20th century when the material became more accessible. In collaboration with Hardy, Walker was involved in the design of several glass fibre rods. Here is a brief look at some of the fiberglass rods produced under the Richard Walker name with Hardy:
- Richard Walker Superlite: the Superlite was one of the flagship models, designed for carp but versatile enough for other coarse fishing applications.
- Richard Walker Avon: This was designed keeping in mind the needs of anglers fishing the Avon and similar rivers. It was suitable for a range of species from chub to barbel.
- Richard Walker Match: Aimed at match fishing enthusiasts, this rod was designed for the diverse needs of competitive coarse fishing.
- Richard Walker Reservoir: While there was a split cane version, there was also a fiberglass iteration of the Reservoir rod aimed at reservoir trout fishing.
- Richard Walker Ledgerlite: This rod was crafted for ledgering, a popular technique especially in carp and barbel fishing.
A rare opportunity to purchase a piece of angling history, this Hardy Richard Walker Reservoir Superlite rod was given by Richard Walker to his late son Tim Walker in the early eighties. The rod is a well-used example, a 9,3″ two-piece brown hollow fibre glass. Click here to view on our website.
This Hardy Richard Walker Reservoir Superlite 9’3” 2-piece hollow glass fly rod is in a rare black finish. This is the last of the model range before carbon came on the scene. Olive whipped guides. Line rated #7/8. Suited to trout and grayling fishing. Comes complete with the maker’s original cloth bag. Click here to view on our website.
Hardy Fred Taylor Trotter
The Hardy Fred Taylor Trotter is another rod in the Hardy lineup that resonates well with enthusiasts of traditional angling. Fred J. Taylor was another influential figure in the world of angling, much like Richard Walker. Fred Taylor was known for his writing on angling topics and his commitment to traditional fishing methods, especially when it came to coarse fishing.
As with the Richard Walker series, the Fred Taylor Trotter was a product of collaboration between the named angler and Hardy. Fred Taylor’s insights into traditional trotting methods influenced the design.
The rod was primarily designed for trotting, a technique used in river fishing where the bait is allowed to “trot” or flow downstream with the current, a particularly effective method for species like chub, roach, and grayling.
Just like the Richard Walker series, the Fred Taylor Trotter is a reflection of the period’s emphasis on angler-led design. Rods were crafted with specific fishing methods in mind, and the collaboration between renowned anglers and established companies like Hardy resulted in tackle that was both functional and had a lasting legacy.
One of the rarest of the Avon pattern rods from Hardy. This Fred Taylor Trotter is one of the rarer versions as it has a black finish with green whips. Click here to view on our website.
The above Fred Taylor Trotter has the more traditional yellow whippings tipped in red with the brown blank. Click here to view on our website.
Hardy Fibalite range
The Hardy Fibalite rods, were, as the name suggests, constructed from fiberglass. Many of the Fibalite rods came with lined guides to reduce line wear, a screw winch reel seat, and often a full or partial cork handle. The craftsmanship that Hardy was known for was evident in these rods. There were several rods in the range to cater for different angling pursuits:
Fibalite Spinning: For freshwater and light saltwater spinning.
Fibalite Fly: Designed specifically for fly fishing.
Fibalite Perfection: A more general-purpose rod.
Fibalite Carp: Targeting carp anglers.
Fibalite Match: Catering to match fishing enthusiasts.
The above is a 1970’s Hardy Fibalite Perfection two piece hollow glass trout fly rod. Line rate #7/8, this has the classic brown glass blank, with guides whipped yellow and tipped red with brown spigot ferrule, cork handle with up screw alloy reel fitting. View this item on the website here.
The above is a Hardy Fibalite Spinning, 6ft hollow glass spinning rod. One of the rarest of the range, this delicate little rod is ideal for perch chub trout and grayling fishing. It has a brown finish with olive whippings, spigot ferrule and an 8.5” cork handle with sliding alloy reel rings. Click here to view this on our website.
A very fine Hardy Fibalite Salmon fly rod. 12’6″, line rating #9. With low bridge guides whipped gold and tipped in red. 25” cork handle with screw alloy winch fitting. To view on our website click here.
The range also had traveller versions like this fantastic Hardy Smuggler Fibalite 8′ line #6. With its original alloy stoppers and complete with its original Hardy beige 4-piece blue cloth rod bag. Click here to view on our website!
We have many other rods from this era, such as Hardy Longbow, Hardy Mooching, Hardy Invincible, so if you are interested take a look at our website or get in touch!
New products are coming in all the time, so if there is something that you are after and we do not have it in stock, let us know and we can put you on our ‘watch list’.
Dave Townsend
07535 590617 / 01275 261099
davetownsend@thomasturner.com
The post The Timeless Charm of Hardy Glass Fibre Rods appeared first on Thomas Turner Fishing Antiques.
Continue reading...
