From Hardy’s Heritage range. The design of St George reels dates back almost 100 years: full cage body, adjustable twin pawl check, quick release spool, agate line guard. Build quality is impeccable: no end float, smooth surfaces and first-class machining. The check croaks on the way out and purrs on the way in. Line capacity is modest – the design dates from the time of slim, silk lines, so for a modern PVC line the 3” model can house a DT5 and 40 metres of backing, or a WF6 and 45m of backing. The tiny St George Junior can take a DT3 and 10m of backing or a WF4 and 20m of backing.

Hardy has sympathetically updated the materials and applied the same metals and plastics when they seem more appropriate: modern aluminium and anodising, ground stainless spindle, Ivorine handle, brass reel foot. The larger, heavier reel weighs in at 4.5oz which is not heavy compared with all but the lightest modern reels. Both proudly have 'Made in England' stamped on the reel body and the reel foot which also bears a serial number.

These are lovely, functional things, really about nostalgia for the trout fishing I’ve read about in old books, for times when tackle was craft-made. These sit like little gems in my hands. They're expensive but evocative. Do I use them or just enjoy looking at them? Both!