I have owned my Hardy Conquest for over 30 years now and to me it is the perfect trotting reel. However, I have always thought the aesthetics of the reel could be improved.
Recently, whilst talking to Lea Dweller at the renowned Cane & pin match, he showed me the wonderful reel that Leszek- Watermole+ had made for him. On the forum were discussions regarding ventilating a Conquest so, a seed germinated and I contacted Leszek and asked him if he would kindly breathe his magic on my reel.
Imagine my suprise when Leszek asked me to send the reel to him which I did, and to receive it back totally transformed in 4 days
In addition to the ventilation holes, as the original handles were riveted on, he made a new set of handles with brass pillars which contrast so well with the Aluminium. Not content with the work so far, he then serviced the reel and polished the bore. If Hardy were still in business today they would instruct their factory to copy this reel.
The only negative of this episode is that my Grandson will inherit my tackle when I go to fish the river on the other side, on seeing the reel is now giving me strange looks and enquiring after my health!
Leszek sir, I salute you
John
