The Bougle MK VII 4” fly fishing reel has big written all over
it, be it the anadromous fish you seek or the Spey rod to which you are
strapping it. This fly reel has the backing capacity to
handle any Spey line you need to use or Atlantic salmon that happens to
sip in your fly. With the click and pawl drag you’re in complete control
to apply as much pressure as your fingers can bear while the supportive
ball bearings provide silky smooth winding! Few fly reels can match the
100 year tradition of the Hardy Bougle and the Bougle MK VII 4” is the
continuation of this tradition. British Columbia here you come!
Big Steelhead are on the list! The Hardy Bougle MK VI 4” fly
fishing reel fits the bill for big Atlantic salmon and Steelhead. This
click and pawl drag fly reel sports a spool of 4” which provides the
backing capacity of 250yds+ of 30# with a any Spey Line. The in-the-hand
weight of 9oz balances extremely well on today lightweight Spey rods.
When you head to Norway for your next salmon trip take along the reel
that helped name the “Music Box” pool, the Bougle MK VII 4” fly reel!
Specifications:
- Machined from bar stock aluminum
- Click and pawl drag with adjustment
- Caged frame with raised pillars
- Model is based on spool diameter of 4”
- Line + Yards Backing: Spey Line 250+ yds 30#
- Weight 9oz
Leland on Hardy Bougle MK VII Fly Fishing Reels:
History just seems to repeat itself; the Hardy Bougle is one
of those fly fishing reels we hope continues to repeat itself year after
year! Every season we keep our fingers crossed that the Bougle Mark has
another roman numeral and so far we have not been disappointed, this year it is the Bougle MK VI.
The original Bougle was manufactured for French tournament caster Louis
Bougle in the early 1900s and this original design has, as with most
Hardy fly reels, stood the test of time. Sure over the years there have
been a few modernizations but the classic click and pawl, wide
spooled fly reel of the early 1900s has been maintained! Originally
based on the famed Hardy Perfect, the Bougle continues to carry the
raise pillar look and the click and pawl sound of the historic Bougle.
Keeping with Mons. Bougles’ original request for a lightweight version of the Perfect, Hardy now machines the
Bougle MK VII from bar stock aluminum, utilizes an aluminum spindle and
has significantly ventilated the spool. These changes from the original
design have reduced the weight of the Bougle MK VII. The Bougle MK VI
fly reels are available from 2-weight through 10-weight and
models are based on spool diameter, 3”, 3 1/4”, 3 1/2”, 3 3/4” and 4”.
Like its predecessors has slightly adjustable click and pawl drag and
utilizes ball bearings for smooth drag and winding. The clear
hard anodization gives the Bougle MK VII a silvery sheen while
protecting your investment. Sure there are more modern designs and
beautiful colors but if old school is where you are in your fly fishing,
then reach for the new classic Hardy Bougle MK VII.
Leland on Hardy Fly Fishing Products
The history of Hardy is long and stoic:
the House of Hardy was dry fly fishing in the late 1800's and early
1900's. One simply did not fish dry flies without a Hardy bamboo rod.
Today it is no different! Hardy Fly Fishing continues to excel in the
manufacture of not only bamboo, but also fly rods and fly fishing
reels made with modern materials.
The first Hardy Fly Rod was designed
and built out of necessity when brothers William and John Hardy
simply could not find a fly rod worthy of their high standards. They
contracted a local cabinet builder to put together their first split
bamboo rod. The fly rod was the first of its kind to give an angler
the ability to false cast to a rising fish.
Throughout the 20th century Hardy
continued the development of fly rod and fly fishing reel. The
manufacturing list from Hardy Fly Fishing Products reads like a Hall
of Fame list including the Palakona Cane, the Perfect, the Smuggler,
the JLH Ultralite and the Bougle. From their design of the Cascapedia
Salmon reel, to the first use of carbon fiber for fly rod
manufacturing, Hardy Fly Fishing Products has and will continue to be
a leader in the fly fishing arena.
Hardy on the Bougle MK VII Fly Fishing Reels:
"One of the most famous pools on one of the most famous salmon rivers,
the Namsen in Norway, in part derives its name from the Bouglés. The
pool is called the Music Box reputedly because of the number of big fish
over the years running line off our singing Bouglé! Indeed, when you
think about the Bouglé, it’s the glorious sound of the check that stays
with you. It’s a reel with voice. And when a big fish runs, it’s a reel
that sings!
It’s easy to forget that the Bouglé Mk VII is derived from the older,
equally classic Perfect. The Perfect ran on ball bearings which made it
the smoothest winding reel of its time – yet time has in no way dated
the muscular beauty of the Bouglé. This new Bouglé has been enhanced by
the return of the reel to its original clear anodized aluminum finish.
With its ivorine handle, the Bouglé does look at its very best in its
sumptuous silver sheen. The ventilated spool and aluminum spindle both
help with the reel’s lightness but doesn’t do anything to compromise its
legendary strength. In short, it’s a reel you can trust and enjoy in
equal measure."
Hardy on Hardy Fly Fishing Products
Hardy dates back to 1872, when William
Hardy established himself as a gunsmith in his hometown of Alnwick,
Northumberland. A year later he was joined by his brother John James
and the Hardy Brothers Partnership came into being. For a few years,
the brothers only made and sold quality guns, from shotguns to
pistols, but their passion for fly fishing soon dictated a change in
direction.
A fly fishing hobby became their
profession and the reputation of Hardy fly rods and fly fishing reels
was born. Over the years, Hardy Fly Fishing Products has received
orders from anglers the world over, as well as the patronage of the
crowned heads of Europe. Hardy Fly Fishing Products has been honored
with no less than ten Royal Warrants of Appointment during its 127
years of existence. Throughout its history Hardy Fly Fishing Products
has been responsible for some of the most radical advances in fly
fishing tackle design.
