A late season Hardy Day at Shannon's Fly Shop in Califon, NJ proved to be a real endurance test for the Hardy crew. It didn't snow so we were able to test rods in realistic steelhead conditions. The gas space heater in the show barn provided great comfort to John Shaner, who performed yoeman's labor with the brave visitors who came to see Hardy. Many thanks to Jim and the crew at Shannon's for the hospitality and enthusiasm.

Andy Mill Joins Hardy

Press Release
Hardy North America
9/01/09


Andy Mill, the most successful Tarpon Tournament angler in the world, has joined the team at Hardy as the Head of Saltwater tackle product development. Andy will manage pre production design, field testing and product launch of Hardy’s new saltwater rods and reels. In a statement released today Andy said, “IT'S AN HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE WITH HARDY WHICH I'VE ALWAYS CONSIDERED TO BE THE "ROLEX" OF FRESH WATER FISHING PRODUCTS. IT'S MY PERSONAL GOAL TO HELP BRING THAT SAME IMAGE TO THE SALT". “We are excited to have Andy aboard”, said Jim Murphy, President of Hardy North America. “This is not a run of the mill endorsement deal; Andy will manage this product development project as a full member of our team. He will work with Howard Croston, Hardy’s lead designer, to develop the next generation of salt water tackle. We believe that Andy’s very successful techniques of catching and fighting fish are unique, and will result in a truly innovative line of fly rods and reels. We are committed to taking a lead position in salt water and Andy is the guy to lead our efforts”. Andy will also serve as spokesman for Hardy. His first appearance for Hardy will be at the Fly Tackle Retailer Show in Denver, September 10-12. Hardy will have their full contingent of products and personnel at Booth 224. Photo Credit: Pat Ford Contact: Jim Murphy, Hardy North America, jmurphy@hardygreys.com

A visit to Tochterman's in Baltimore

Since 1916 the Tochterman family has operated its tackle shop in downtown Baltimore. Tony and Dee are the current generation that run the place like a clock and work 'round the clock. They are long friends of Hardy and Greys and are a sounding board for our product and programs well before they hit the street. I visited them yesterday to give them a preview of our upcoming presentation at the FTR show in Denver. If you are ever in Baltimore stop by and see this shop that is close to the Harbor (and the fishing).

Salmon Perfect reels are the "News of the Week"

The introduction of the new Salmon Perfect reels has been the "News of the week". Getting ready for salmon and steelhead is what it is all about and with all the good water (too much of a good thing?), this looks like it is going to be a good season. Both the 4" and the 4 1/4" reels have always been the top of the range and the unique 18 bearing race gets the angler that much closer to the fish. These reels are in stock and ready to fish.

Meet our first angler who is "Born to Fish". His photo initiates our first in a series of ads featuring anglers who represent Greys. Feel free to send in your own photo of an extreme angler and we will consider it for an ad in the series.

This shot was taken by Ian Davis, Crosby Beane's former partner at Breckenridge Outfitters. He is a fair distance from the mountains with this image, but appears to be content.

Hardy Greys getting set for the Fly Tackle Retailer Show

Preperations continue for the annual trade show in Denver starting August 10. The 40' booth ship tomorrow and the cast of characters are set with the team coming over from the UK. We are finishing up our Press Releases and putting together our programs for the show. Eighteen days and counting.