The Hardy "Elarex" spinning reel
Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:54 pm
This was a natural development of the Silex "Rex" multiplier and as it was such a nicely made reel, I thought it should have it's own thread.
I bought mine second-hand a very long time ago, complete with it's original faux-leather box, oiler and instructions, for the princely sum of £8!
This particular reel belonged originally to V.Carron-Wellington (an adopted name), author of "The Adventures of a Sporting Angler", the only book he ever wrote but one of the most fascinating angling books ever written. He was one of those larger-than-life characters who lived an incredible life but sold his Elarex, along with much of his fishing tackle in 1944 when compelled to live under 'reduced circumstances', for £17-0s-0d as you see from the receipt.
I used to use this reel on a regular basis for heavy water spinning, together with the "Three Fishes" brand, 18lb line, which is still on it and still in good condition!
The last time I used it was about 5 seasons ago when I was introduced to dead-bait fishing for pike and managed to catch several small fish and one-a personal best-of 15 1/2lbs. from the River Culm at Stoke Canon, Exeter. (No picture unfortunately).
It is almost as good as a centre-pin to use because there is a fixed, direct drive (the handles cannot be dis-engaged) and is very sensitive to cast with. Braking a running fish is by direct thumb pressure on the line!
It is pictured on my own make 10 1/2', double-built, barbel/carp rod.
I bought mine second-hand a very long time ago, complete with it's original faux-leather box, oiler and instructions, for the princely sum of £8!
This particular reel belonged originally to V.Carron-Wellington (an adopted name), author of "The Adventures of a Sporting Angler", the only book he ever wrote but one of the most fascinating angling books ever written. He was one of those larger-than-life characters who lived an incredible life but sold his Elarex, along with much of his fishing tackle in 1944 when compelled to live under 'reduced circumstances', for £17-0s-0d as you see from the receipt.
I used to use this reel on a regular basis for heavy water spinning, together with the "Three Fishes" brand, 18lb line, which is still on it and still in good condition!
The last time I used it was about 5 seasons ago when I was introduced to dead-bait fishing for pike and managed to catch several small fish and one-a personal best-of 15 1/2lbs. from the River Culm at Stoke Canon, Exeter. (No picture unfortunately).
It is almost as good as a centre-pin to use because there is a fixed, direct drive (the handles cannot be dis-engaged) and is very sensitive to cast with. Braking a running fish is by direct thumb pressure on the line!
It is pictured on my own make 10 1/2', double-built, barbel/carp rod.