Hardy’s The “Carp” Palakona 10′ carp rod c1956.

In Jim Hardy’s book about his family firm, the production of this model is given as 1954-1955 only. This example, according to its butt cap number H7161, was made in 1956. I still have the list of dates and their corresponding letter prefixed numbers  that I was given by production manager John Gibson when I worked for Hardy’s in the 1980s. The date of this rod is correct, although it supposedly ceased to be produced a year earlier. Jim Hardy advises that the dating system isn’t infallible!

A carp rod appearing in their catalogue in the mid-fifties could only mean one thing: Hardy’s didn’t want to miss out on the carp fishing boom that arose from the capture of Richard Walker’s record fish in 1952. However, this was before Walker’s association with Hardy’s, who were predominantly game fishing specialists. I don’t know how much Hardy’s charged for one of these carp rods but I suspect it wasn’t cheap. After two years, they dropped it from their catalogue and it wasn’t until 1969 that they returned to split cane carp rod production.

I saw one in Chris Partington’s vintage tackle shop in the mid-1980s. Another one, in fully refinished condition, turned up a few years ago. I’ve heard, vaguely, of a couple of others. I’ve been in the trade for thirty nine years so you can take it from me that this is a very rare carp rod.

Hardy tackle in the mid-1950s was typically very nice indeed. This rod was made with no expense spared, as you can see from the accompanying illustrations. In fact, it was made to the same standard as their best salmon rods. The Corbett agate tip ring, copper over-whippings to reinforce the butt ring and ferrules, intermediate whippings (absent from their later carp rods), a very posh butt cap, superb nickel silver ferrules and a fine tailor made bag. It’s entirely pukka.

The rod has had one owner from new and has, in my opinion, been very, very lightly used. Everything is firm, original, straight and clean. There is the lovely and to be expected patina of age (it’s seventy next birthday so you might want to think about throwing a party for it), which adds to its charm.

This is no Walker MK IV copy. It is a two piece ten footer but its action is pure Hardy. Very progressive, with considerable substance and more power than an early MK IV. Frankly, for the carp you are likely to encounter these days, it’s a better rod than the lovely but light early MK IVs. It would be happy with 12 lb line and whatever tackle you care to cast with it.

Apart from the aforementioned patina to its finish, this rod is in exceptional condition. The ferrule is a perfect, firm fit, the rings are clean and smooth, as is the cork handle with its splendid aluminium reel bands and butt cap.

A very rare, high class Hardy Palakona split cane carp rod from the mid fifties in fabulous original condition. You’d be proud to own it.