Review: Hardy Fly Rod & Reel

It’s no surprise that Hardy is top of the line for fishing. With over 150 years of experience in the craft, they’ve mastered the art of fly fishing and translated that expertise into a line of rods and reels that are unmatched on the water. Each piece is innovative and a commitment to quality that’s hard to find elsewhere. Hardy pays close attention to detail, and has a deep understanding of what anglers need to perform at their best.

When I picked up fly fishing, I didn’t think I’d be able to tell the difference between rods. While my borrowed rods got the job done, most felt stiff and awkward in my hands—it was as though I was working harder than the rod was. That changed when I got my hands on the Hardy Aydon 9’ 5wt fly rod paired with the Averon 5000 reel.

What surprised me most about the Hardy Aydon is how easy it makes fly fishing feel. The ultralight properties of this rod don’t compromise its function when out on the river. Every cast feels smooth and almost seamless, even for someone like me who’s still learning the craft. The Aydon is masterfully balanced, which translates directly to comfort on the water. Its Sintrix multi-modulus carbon fiber build reinforces strength without adding weight, giving the rod a responsive feel. Whether you’re fishing big rivers or smaller streams, the Aydon feels less like a rod, and more like an extension of your hand.

The Hardy Averon reel feels like the perfect match to the Aydon. Just like the rod, it’s impressively lightweight without sacrificing strength, which makes a huge difference during long days on the water. I especially appreciate how smooth the drag is—it picks up line effortlessly and gives me confidence when a fish makes a strong run. The large arbor design makes line management simple, and it balances beautifully with the rod in hand.

Available at hardyfishing.com; $1025 for the combo.