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.