For well over a century, Hardy has been renowned as the manufacturer of the finest game fishing tackle in the world - the name is synonymous with quality and excellence. Such reputations are not acquired easily, but it has never faltered throughout the Company's long history. During the festival you will be able to view, experience and sample the best products that Hardy & Greys have to offer. For your interest the company are sending a "small army" of expert anglers to ensure that all visitors recieve the one of best fishing and trade experiences in the industry.
Coaching and demonstrating anglers during the week you have:
Andy Smith
Qualifications: APAGAI Salmon & Trout, AAPGAI Salmon
Academy Manager, Andy is a fully qualified instructor offering specialist tuition using both Single and Double handed fly rods.
As a holder of both STANIC and the prestigious APGAI Certificates in both Salmon and Trout casting, clients are sure to receive the best possible instruction available in the field of Fly fishing. Operating all around the Midlands, Andy offers tuition at your location or on the river Trent in Nottingham for Salmon Spey casting classes.
In conjunction with Hardy & Greys and their dealership Andy has access to a wide selection of Rod, reel and line combinations to enable both the experienced fly fisher as well as the relative newcomers to handle products that are right up to date and totally suited to the type of fishing they want to learn about, perfect and enjoy.
Andy Smith: "Don't buy blind! Call or email for advice and help on tackle selection and suitability. Pike on the Fly! Midlands Rivers, lakes and reservoirs are full of these monsters and with the right tackle advice and some casting tuition the experience of catching fish up to and over 20 lb is a reality."
Steve Peterson
Qualifications: AAPGAI master trout and Salmon ,FFF CCI
Steve started his fishing career early and at 16 was working as a Trout fishery manager.
This was the perfect role to study Trout and their habitat and this enabled Steve to gain his instructors qualifications.
Steve then went into full time instruction as chief casting instructor at Sportfish in Reading before moving to Hardy & Greys where he is now marketing manager.
“I have been lucky to have fished all over the world for various species but my favourite has to be the Atlantic Salmon from our UK rivers so I am really looking forward to the Deveron festival again this year.”
Mark Roberts
Qualifications: APGAI, FFF (Federation of Fly Fishers) Master Casting Instructors Qualification
Mark Roberts is a member of the Game Angling Instructors Association and holds the APGAI qualification in trout, salmon and fly dressing. In addition he is a licensed Level II coach in trout fishing.
Based in the picturesque Usk Valley near Abergavenny Mark is able to offer coaching in casting and fishing for both salmon and trout on the River Usk. He is also an experienced loch style competition angler.
Mark is involved in a number of projects which encourage children to get involved with fishing and fly dressing by visiting some local schools.
The foundation of Mark's teaching is to enjoy the whole experience and have fun. Coaching will take place on either river or still water depending on the clients needs.
Watch Mark Roberts perform various casting techniques on the Official Hardy YouTube channel .
