Super Silex 3 ¾

Old heavy casting reel Hardy, model Super Silex 3 ¾ (1930) in aluminum alloy, removable openwork spool. Axis rubbing on a ruby to avoid maximum resistance when casting. Double cranks with ebonized handles, removable noisemaker pawl, allowing very long casts depending on thumbwheel adjustment. Small ivory "freewheel" release lever, grooved brass foot. The Silex or, as shown here, Super Silex (shaft rubbing on a ruby) models from Hardy were, before the invention of advanced drum-fixes (60s/70s), the reels that provided the longest casts for lure fishing for salmon and Himalayan mahseers. These reels are still highly prized and used in British Columbia by natural bait anglers for steelhead and Pacific salmon. The example presented here is in perfect condition and bears the engraved initials W.N.M. for William N. Mitchell, Laird of Cairnton, River Dee.