Click and Pawl: The Hardy Marquis LWT Fly Reel

In the world of fly fishing, few names carry the historical weight and reverence of Hardy. For over a century, the craftsmen from Alnwick, England, have produced reels that are not just tools, but heirlooms. They are objects of mechanical beauty, defined by a classic aesthetic and an unmistakable sound. Perhaps no reel embodies this heritage more completely while embracing modern refinement than the legendary Hardy Marquis LWT.

This is more than just a review; it’s a detailed exploration for ReelSchematic.com into what makes the Marquis LWT a living classic. We’ll delve into its storied past, break down its elegant mechanics, and explore why, in an age of silent, large-arbor super-reels, the audible charm of a click-and-pawl remains the top choice for discerning anglers around the globe.

A Legacy Reborn: The History of the Marquis

The story of the Marquis LWT (Lightweight) begins with its predecessor, the original Hardy Marquis. First introduced in the 1970s, the Marquis quickly became one of the most popular and dependable fly reels in the world. It was a workhorse, renowned for its rugged simplicity and reliability. Fished by countless anglers for everything from small brook trout to powerful Atlantic salmon, the Marquis was a fixture on rivers for decades before its production ceased in the late 1990s.

For years, original Marquis reels were coveted items on the second-hand market, a testament to their enduring design. The angling community’s demand did not go unnoticed. Recognizing the deep affection for this classic, Hardy made the landmark decision to bring it back.

In the mid-2010s, Hardy reintroduced the legend, but with key improvements. The new Marquis LWT series was not merely a replica; it was a respectful evolution. It retained the soul and aesthetic of the original but was updated with modern machining, refined tolerances, and improved performance, all while being proudly made in Alnwick, England.

Anatomy of a Classic: Design, Features, and Mechanics

At its core, the Hardy Marquis LWT is a masterclass in minimalist design. It eschews the complexities of modern disc drags for the classic, time-tested click-and-pawl system. This is not a reel for stopping a freight train; it’s a reel for engaging with the fish, offering just enough resistance to protect fine tippets while allowing the angler to use palming and rod work to control the fight.

Key Features:

Made in Alnwick, England: In a world of globalized manufacturing, this detail is paramount. Each Marquis LWT is machined, hand-polished, and assembled by skilled artisans at Hardy’s historic Alnwick facility, continuing an unbroken lineage of quality.
6061 Bar Stock Aluminum Construction: The reel is machined from solid, high-grade bar stock aluminum. This provides superior strength, rigidity, and durability compared to die-cast methods, ensuring the reel can withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes of a lifetime of fishing.
Ported, Classic Arbor Design: The extensive porting (drilled holes) on the frame and spool is a signature of the LWT design. This reduces the reel’s overall weight significantly without compromising structural integrity, making it a joy to pair with modern lightweight graphite or classic bamboo rods. Its classic arbor size is perfect for traditionalists and provides ample backing capacity.
The Click-and-Pawl Drag System: This is the heart and soul of the Marquis. A triangular metal “pawl” engages with a gear on the spool, creating an audible “click” on both the retrieve and when a fish takes line. The tension is adjustable via a simple regulator on the back of the reel, allowing the angler to set the desired level of over-spool prevention. The sound is iconic—a sharp, reassuring growl that is, for many, the quintessential sound of fly fishing.
Easy Left-to-Right Hand Conversion: The reel features a simple and robust design that allows the angler to easily switch the retrieve direction by flipping the pawls inside the reel.
High-Quality Anodized Finish: A deep, gunmetal grey or silver anodized finish protects the aluminum from corrosion and wear, ensuring the reel maintains its timeless beauty.

The On-the-Water Experience: More Than Just a Drag

Fishing with a Marquis LWT is a sensory experience. You feel the direct connection to the line as you strip it from the reel. You hear the satisfying click as you reel up your slack. And when a fish takes, you hear the music. The reel sings a song that speaks of tradition, control, and the raw energy of the fish.

The click-and-pawl system forces the angler to be more engaged in the fight. Without the heavy stopping power of a disc drag, you learn to use the bend of your rod, the angle of pressure, and the palm of your hand against the spool rim to manage a fish’s run. It’s a more tactile, intimate, and, for many, a more rewarding way to fish. It’s a partnership between the angler, the rod, the reel, and the fish.

This style of reel excels in trout and light salmon/grilse fishing. The drag is more than sufficient to prevent overruns on a blistering run from a rainbow trout and provides the subtle touch needed to protect a 6X or 7X tippet when fishing for picky spring creek residents.

Breaking Down the Series: Finding Your Perfect Marquis

The Hardy Marquis LWT is offered in a range of sizes to cover the vast majority of freshwater fishing scenarios.

Model	Weight (oz/g)	Diameter (in/mm)	Line Capacity (WF + yds)	Ideal Application
Marquis LWT 2/3	2.5 / 71	2.75 / 70	WF3 + 45yds (20lb)	The ultimate small stream and brook trout reel. Perfect for rods 7’6″ and under.
Marquis LWT 4	3.2 / 91	2.95 / 75	WF4 + 50yds (20lb)	An excellent all-around choice for small-to-medium streams. Balances beautifully on 3 and 4-weight rods from 7′ to 8’6″.
Marquis LWT 5	3.4 / 96	3.14 / 80	WF5 + 75yds (20lb)	The quintessential trout reel. Perfectly at home on a 9′ 5-weight rod, our generation’s “do-it-all” trout setup.
Marquis LWT 6	3.8 / 108	3.34 / 85	WF6 + 80yds (20lb)	A fantastic option for heavier trout fishing, light bass, or as a lightweight single-hand salmon or grilse reel.
Marquis LWT 7	4.1 / 116	3.54 / 90	WF7 + 110yds (20lb)	Ideal for streamer fishing for large trout, bass, or light steelhead and sea trout applications.
Salmon No. 1	8.8 / 249	3.74 / 95	WF10 + 150yds (30lb)	A step up in size and capacity, designed for two-handed Spey rods and targeting grilse and smaller salmon.
Salmon No. 2	9.9 / 281	4.13 / 105	WF11 + 200yds (30lb)	The workhorse of the salmon lineup, perfect for summer and fall Atlantic salmon on larger rivers.
Salmon No. 3	11.6 / 329	4.25 / 108	WF12 + 250yds (30lb)	The largest in the series, built for the biggest rivers, longest Spey rods, and the pursuit of monster salmon or steelhead.

The Final Word: Who is the Marquis LWT For?

The Hardy Marquis LWT is not for every angler. If your primary goal is to winch large saltwater fish from the depths or to halt a running steelhead with sheer mechanical force, a modern disc drag reel is likely a better choice.

But, if you are an angler who values tradition, who believes that the tackle you use is an integral part of the experience, and who seeks a more tactile connection to the fish you pursue, then the Marquis LWT is without peer. It is for the angler who appreciates the history of the sport and the sound of a reel singing under pressure. It’s a statement of quality, a commitment to heritage, and a joy to fish. In a world of fleeting trends, the Hardy Marquis LWT is a beautiful, audible reminder that some things are classic for a reason.