The Hardy Marquis Reel - Sound Of My Youth

[@Carl-kg7rm9zz8y]

Love this video! Thank you!!! Been fishing with my Marquis 6 for almost 45 years and still love that fly reel. my daughter wants it but she has to wait until I'm gone.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Could not agree more!

[@keesmellegers5132]

Brilliant video ! I get the same feeling when i hear the sound of my Hardy “Made in Alnwick” Flyweight reel from the early 1980’s

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Agreed! Thanks for commenting!

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Thanks for such a beautiful video. I am about to order a #4 for all the reasons you talked about in your video, except for the family connection. I have an Orvis Battenkill 2 in size 4 and I used to have one of the originals but unfortunately they are now made in China and I have 2 spools fail me. I used to think of the Orvis click and pawl as iconic but it doesn't hold a candle to the Hardy Marquis and I can't wait for mine to arrive. I will be pairing it with a locally made custom 4 wt 9' rod. Thanks again for a great video.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment and you won’t be disappointed! 😄

[@miked.r.6671]

Classic it is, and the Distinctive Sound takes me way back! Regrettably I sold them all, but I do have several that remind me of the Marquis, such as the Sage 506 L ( Made in England)

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment Mike, they are lovely! I have five at the moment… but have just fallen in Love with Hardy perfects….

[@davids9549]

A very lovely video. Nothing wrong with being a tackle tart - bringing these beautiful objects to life adds another dimension to fly fishing. Agree about the 'palmable' rim, it's an important feature on an essentially dragless reel, which is why my #4 is a Duchess, whereas only my #3 is the non-palmable Featherweight. Wouldn't mind extending into Marquis territory with a #5 or #6 one day, but currently they're still modern large-arbour territory in my case - Hardy's new Ultraclick gives you the large arbour without a drag and is palmable, I use it for ultralight hiking as it only weighs 70g.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment David, I also have a Dutchess and an Ultraclick, both are lovely… the Dutchess is a lovely blend of old and new…

[@DontUputThatEvilOnMe]

Hardy reels were very popular here in the US back in the 80s. All the fly fish guys wanted a hardy back then.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for commenting, I think that’s still the case…😄

[@flyfishingfriendsostfriesl8032]

❤Thanks for the most information Video ❤😊🎉 Wonderfull !!! Warm Greatings from Germany

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

😄👍

[@philipbell3654]

I love my Marquis 8/9 Multiplier, was handed down to me from my uncle who received it as a gift from my grandfather when they traveled to Labrador for their monsters- caught practically nothing from what I understand. He also handed down to me a Flyweight, a Husky and a Lightweight, great reels to have for NH trout streams- Hardy has definitely become a staple for so many people around the world for generations.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment, I agree totally..

[@guidotesi9928]

Marquis, a masterpiece in perfection!! ❤️

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Agreed Guido! Thanks for the comment..

[@t-jh4236]

Orvis Battenkill CFO was my first quality reel. I would soon thereafter purchase and start fishing with my Hardy Sovereign. I used that reel for over a decade. I used it while growing up and residing in Alaska. I am a huge Hardy fan. I will be purchasing a Hardy Marquis in 5wt this spring. I love your videos. Keep up the great work sir and I wish you luck on the streams.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the kind words and you will love that new Marquis! 😄

[@davidgray3321]

Interesting film, I am an old boy but a bit of advise. A lot of modern reels are far to “fancy” as our American friends would say, I was once shown a sea fishing fly reel with a very tricky system for engaging the spool when changing it, as you would when salmon fishing for a different line. You don’t want that at dusk in Scotland or Norway or wherever you are. The chunky tough Marquis 2 for salmon is ideal. It’s un complicated. For an equivalent in the world of military weapons the Marquis is a Lee Enfield rifle, it would jam when your fish depends on it, it’s rugged and lasts forever. And it didn’t let me down ever with fish on the fly up to twenty pounds in very powerful flowing rivers.

[@davidgray3321]

I mean it “would not jam” of course, sorry about the typo, you get my jist.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment!

[@johnshand6176]

Great video and background information. I fish with a Hardy Marquis 5 reel on an 8'6 inch 5-6 Hardy Favourite rod. Down under in NZ I often land fish over 5 lbs and it is quite a challenge getting them to the bank in swift water but it is pure magic listening to the reel singing. Love the made-in-England bit as you can rely on the quality. Subscribed.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks John! They are a joy to fish with, and totally different experience to fishing with modern drags… totally agree!

[@davids9549]

Well I bit the bullet and got one of these (in a #6) - fantastic, beautiful to look at and beautiful in use. Also had to treat myself to a Perfect (for a #5) - if you haven't had one of these Peter, you need to discover the ultimate. Duchess remains my #4 and I've a Lightweight (Featherweight) for my #3. Hardy happiness. As far as palming the reel is concerned, both the Lightweight Series and the Perfects are enclosed rim, but there is a way of using your free fingers on the side of the spinning reel (the porting assists) to exert some extra control on a running fish. I suppose the only real downside to all these reels is the relatively small arbour, but that just comes with the territory.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

David I have… in fact a couple of 1912 Perfects…. And a Dutchess… we are on the same page!

[@davids9549]

@@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing Oh yes! Mine's a 1912 too - I reckon we both fell for the Red Agate? I only got the larger size, most beautiful fishing object I own. Currently trying to talk myself into a Wide Spool Perfect, the 3 3/8" probably. Those folks at Hardy must see us coming!

[@billemshoff9335]

Take a look at my Marquis adventures across the pond: Video link kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipjMdZp4o9OZbpY Video link kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3q8hKaQm6yXopI

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Very cool Bill! Thanks for sharing those, that trout was a tank! 👏👏

[@stevegregg5354]

That reel really needs to be on a fine bamboo flyrod. I have one on a older Orvis Madison bamboo. Nice video of a father/daughter outing. Congrats to you.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thank you Steve! Glad you enjoyed it… have not gone to Bamboo yet, but have thought about it…

[@charlieneilson1239]

Lovely lovely video!! I only fish with Hardy click n pawl reels: a Perfect Narrow, Marquis or Duchess. I love the “made in England” stamp, the heritage, the build quality, the nostalgia, the sound it makes, but, above all, it’s the smile it puts on my face each time I fish with one. For aesthetics alone (and I’m the biggest tackle tart!!), it has to be the Duchess for me ❤️ Another top vid. Thank you.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Hi Charlie! Thanks for commenting, could not agree more… and got a Dutchess as well… perfect blend of old and new 😀

[@Nelsoncandas]

As a young angler, one in my 4 weight and one in my light two handed rod come always with me when I roam the rivers of Lapland. They still have the "drag" knob with the arrow, although I don´t know the exact iteration. No new reel fells like them and screams so lively with a fish running!!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

They do sing so beautifully! The knob with the arrow I believe is the 1980’s iteration.. same as my fathers…

[@billemshoff9335]

Thanks for posting.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it Bill! I am glad you get a kick out of fishing with them too!

[@guytrout7101]

A well done film of a Hardy reel and fishing with your daughter.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the kind comment, glad you enjoyed it!

[@XXMDQ-o9y]

My go to is A Princess Hardy...love the sound when I hook up.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

She’s a beaut! 😄

[@TheGhs1]

Bought a Marquis and spare spool in 1994 , still my main reel .

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

And will be until you decide not to use it..

[@paulallen7651]

There’s something about that Hardy factory. My first good reel was an Orvis CFO III. It shares many of the features of the Marquis reels including that lovely clockwork click. Gracie is amazing.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

You are so right Paul, they really are stunning pieces of engineering and thanks for the kind comments about Gracie!

[@TheChrisfleury1]

My Father passed when I was 10 months old. i wish i had his old reel to fish with. But i do have a love for click and pawl and my 6wt reel for carp is an Abel TR.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment and I believe that Abel sounds very similar..

[@danreid6712]

I bought a used Scientific Anglers System 9 flyreel which is Hardy built ! Click & Pawl sounds superb when a Chinook Salmon blasts downstream ! G'day from Toronto, Canada.....Fish 'til ya drop !

[@danreid6712]

My Mum was from Croydon, UK

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Well done Dan, let it sing! 😄

[@biggusgibbus8144]

Had two Scientific Anglers System II reels in my youth. Just ordered a new Marquis Lwt 5. I have several disc drag reels, and it's just not the same experience. They may be better, but I'm an old man and want that sound and feel.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Could not agree more! I too am going to get a 5# LWT this year, it’s on the shopping list…. Will go well with the 4, 6 & 7 I already have!

[@seppopeurala2365]

Hi. I have been in fly fishing for now about 42 years. I have now one # 6 Marquis, 1972-73 era. I had some younger versions in the past. In daily use... No idea why I sold them all. Shouldn't do that.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment, I have done this is as well in the past and then regretted it later… and bought replacements!

[@paulnevins5936]

Purchased a modern Marquis to pair with my Luke Bannister rod and DT line.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Perfect! 😄

[@saltabiten6088]

You can always use your finger or your other hand on the line directly. It works fine.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Yeeeees, did try that and ended up with a blister on the end of my finger! 😄 I think personally I prefer to palm….

[@saltabiten6088]

You must catch them big ones then ! I talk about them normal zises.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

😄 my experience was a big trout in Northern Iceland which I had no control over on the Lightweight…. Your right though for fishing at home it’s fine….

[@coledeubell9399]

Heart warming!!!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wvlongshooter3912]

What Hardy umtralite LL rod are y’all using in this film? Thanks a bunch!!!

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment, it’s the 9’2” 4#, my favourite dry fly rod…

[@wvlongshooter3912]

@@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing thanks for replying!!! Interesting!!

[@TheSavagederek]

Too much focus on powerful drags these days, when most anglers don't even use them, unless on saltwater or Big powerful fish. Something about that click, sounds wonderful.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Totally agree….

[@Beardedfurflinger]

Awesome,ironic how when I started many years ago was with a Medalist Reel & 8 1/2 ' 8 weight Fenwick Rod,simpler times,miss the click & pawl sound,fast forward now glass & bamboo rods,click & pawl reels are making a come back,a new generation is discovering the old ways aren't so bad after all,tight lines & bent rods 🤙

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks David for the comment, glad you enjoyed it!

[@igortheassistant]

I have one on my salmon 2H #9, and lemme tell you, the whole river knows when I'm pulling shooting line off :D

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 oh yes!

[@FlyFishingChronicles]

Was thinking about get myself a 7wt Marquis for my 3wt trout spey. When it comes to classic trout and salmon fishing I strongly gravitate to those classic old school reels for some reasons. What kind of GoPro mount do you use on your pack 12:35 ? EDIT: I bought one LOL :D

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

That would go really nicely as they are still quite a light reel… I use a Polar pro mount..

[@photorailfan]

I have a maruis in silver for my RJ Winston rod that has silver fittings. Perfect match. But this video surprised me. Never thought Hardy makes black reals?

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

A very good match! It’s not black so much as gun metal grey… but they do make other reels which are black.. the new Fortuna Regent reel for example which is made in silver and in black…

[@mikaellilliestrom]

Sometimes we need to take a step back............

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Mikael could not agree more, thanks for the comment!

[@robertbishop2732]

Very nice, though my taste is more the Lightweight series, bought my first, a Princess, at the Hardy store in Pall Mall in 1976.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Robert I love the Lightweight as well, it’s beautiful, I just struggle with not being able to palm it…. It’s perfect for home streams, but that incident in Iceland has put me off taking it abroad…

[@fabrizioturroni4030]

Bravo

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks Fabrizio!

[@timothyorourke7116]

How's the reel for salmon

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Hi Timothy! I have not used the full sized salmon reels on two handers, although they have been a popular choice for 50 years. I did take the 7 weight to Iceland this year and had a great time fishing with it. Very different experiment from using my disc drag reels, very tactile and I felt in much closer contact with the fish with just a check and pawl drag… have a look here at the result, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoHZap-dZbKJrtE you might need to forward a bit…

[@loomi47]

It'll be better looking if it don't have that polished surface.

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for the comment, I personally think that all toys should have a little shininess… 😄

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

Beaudex

[@AardvarkMcLeodFlyFishing]

Thanks for commenting!