Employees respectfully referred to their boss as “Mister Jim,” a nod to Jim Hardy, the last member of the Hardy family to be involved in the family business before his retirement. The business traces its roots back to 1873 when Jim’s grandfather and great-uncle, both avid fishermen, opened a small shop in the far north of England. They began crafting and selling fishing tackle, and their expertise, dedication, and innovative marketing techniques helped them achieve global success. For 130 years, the Hardy name has been synonymous with fishing. Vintage Hardy’s handmade tackle is cherished by many fishing enthusiasts, including Prince Charles, and has become highly sought-after by collectors. Although the company still exists today, the art of crafting handmade fishing tackle is fading.