Zach said;

"Truth be told, I am a huge classic Hardy fan. You wave a pre-war lead-finished Perfect with a well-loved patina in front of my face, and I'll start drooling like it was a rack of steaming rib... In recent years Hardy has had a bit of a Janus-like personality; on the one hand, they have returned many of their classic models to production, while on the other they have struck out with some truly unusual modernistic designs. Both lines are excellent, but to me the classic reels are truly exceptional."

Read the Midcurrent review

For a detailed list and more information on the events visit our Events section.

The qualification, awarded by the UK's Advanced Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors is one of the highest salmon qualification anglers can achieve.

Hardy & Greys Ltd Consultant, Ian, who is also a qualified STANIC salmon instructor, specialising in the Spey cast, along with teaching basic casting with a double handed rod said;

"Having fly-fished with a double handed rod since the age of 9, I am delighted and thrilled to have taken and passed this AAPGAI in Advanced Salmon exam.

This qualification is a major milestone, in that it is very difficult to attain. The standards within AAPGAI are second to none, with only the very best of people making the grade.

Ultimately it was this high standard which initially drew me to AAPGAI, and I have to say, spending time with a group of people with so much knowledge of all forms of fly-fishing has been a real inspiration.

I very much look forward, through my association with Hardy/Greys and AAPGAI, to helping the next generation of fly-fishers take as much from the sport as I have been fortunate enough to take myself."

Ian hails from the river Spey in Scotland, having fished since the age of eight and worked as a Ghillie on the Knockando beat [Spey] for 19 years.

Available in three styles of breathable waders; Hardy EWS MK2, Marksman and Flyweight

waders all come in sizes XS to size XLS.

Hardy & Greys Ltd PR Coordinator and keen angler, Lucy Bowden said;

"At last a pair of waders that fit!

The availability of waders to fit ladies is very small

and, although the new waders from Hardy are not made specifically for us girls, they fit fantastically and, what's more they look good too!

I think female anglers will be very impressed with these."

Hardy & Greys Ltd Clothing Designer, Pam Sandford said;

"The waders are not made for ladies; therefore, they are not tailored to fit the female form. However, we have taken into consideration a smaller frame when designing these waders and have produced a wide range of varied sizes."

Hardy EWS Mk2 Felt and Rubber Wading Boots are also available in sizes UK 6 to 13.

Ian said:

"These new Mach lines from Hardy are a must have for the serious Salmon, Sea Trout or Steelhead Angler.

"Technological advances in both coating and physical taper give the Mach ll the edge - These new lines feel both slick and easy to cast, the taper on both the 55 and 65 foot heads, importantly, make them suitable for both short as well as longer casts, turning over heavy as well as lighter flies.

"The welded loop makes it convenient to add polytips or replace nylon and what I loved most about these is how the line shoots - whether your style be underhand or more traditional, this low friction technology is truly amazing."

Ian Gordon will be attending The Jimmy Green International SPEY-O-RAMA and Fly Casting Festival, California on April 17-19 (info@spey-o-Rama.com) and Sandy River Spey Clave at Oregon (www.flyfishusa.com/spey-clave.htm) on May 16-17.

Featuring on the site are all of the new products for 2009 including the Angel 2 fly rod and Angel 2 reel, Perfect reel and Classic range of rods.

Please check back for further news and product updates coming soon.

Hardy Greys North America Ltd President, Jim Murphy said:

"Hardy Greys North America is proud and thankful for this award. We are thrilled to be able to offer, once again, Hardy's hallmark UK engineering excellence back into the fly fishing market place.

"This marvellous award is the first formal recognition of our efforts to bring the ingenuity and heritage of Hardy products to the US market with our new organisation. We recognise MidCurrent as a strong voice for the US fly fisher and appreciate the award as a first step to becoming a full member of the American fly fishing community."

Renowned fly-fisher and Hardy & Greys Consultant, Charles Jardine said:

"Having grown up with the Hardy Perfect all my fly fishing life, I am thrilled that other generations of fly fishers - as well as those of my vintage will, once again thrill to the reels unique song when playing fish and its classic feel and look. I am so glad that Hardy has reintroduced this truly bespoke fly reel - a reel to be proud of."

Products selected as winners in the awards were selected for both innovative design and utility to fly fishers.

The best new fly fishing rods, fly reels, fly lines, waders, luggage, fly boxes, tools and accessories were all highlighted in MidCurrent's annual review of new designs, updates, and prices released by fly fishing manufacturers.

MidCurrent Editor and Publisher, Marshall Cutchin said:

"We would like to congratulate Hardy & Greys for displaying a high level of innovation and utility for fly fishers in the re-introduction of the Hardy Perfect Fly Reel for 2009."