Hardy Averon Fly Reel

Zero start-up inertia. Sealed disc drag. The albie reel.

The Hardy Averon is the lightweight saltwater fly reel built for false albacore, bonito, and the other speed demons that make a poorly designed drag system show its limits in two seconds flat. Zero start-up inertia means when an albie crushes your fly and turns for the horizon, the spool moves the instant the line tightens no jerk, no stutter, no broken tippet. The sealed multi-pad disc drag system is silky smooth across the full range, and the two-and-a-half-turn indexed drag knob lets you make precise adjustments mid-fight. 150+ years of Hardy reel design behind every piece.

Key Features

• Lightweight high-performance disc drag fly reel
• Zero start-up inertia critical for hard-running fish like albacore and bonito
• Sealed multi-pad disc drag system for smooth, consistent pressure
• Two-and-a-half turn indexed drag knob for quick, precise mid-fight adjustments
• Open frame design (enclosed on 9000 size) keeps weight down
• Large arbor for fewer line coils and faster pickup
• Two sizes (7000 / 9000) and two finishes (Black / Titanium)

Specs

Rigging & Use

• 7000: the false albacore reel pair with an 8-9 wt rod, 250-300 yd of 30 lb backing, intermediate fly line
• 9000: striper and mid-size tarpon 10-11 wt rod, 250-300 yd backing, sink-tip or intermediate
• Set drag to about 1/3 of tippet break strength to start; back off if you’re getting popped at the boat
• Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use sealed drag handles a soak, but bearings and exterior still benefit from a rinse

Why We Like It

The Averon is the reel we hand to anyone serious about chasing false albacore on the fly. The zero start-up inertia is real you can feel the difference vs. a cheaper sealed drag the first time a fish takes hard. Hardy’s been making reels since 1872, and the Averon brings their full pedigree to a price point ($475-$495) that’s within reach for someone who fishes the albie run twice a year. The 7000 in Titanium finish is the one we sell the most of it looks like a piece of jewelry, then performs like one of the best inshore reels you can buy.