[Hamish Young]

I picked up on the sad news that Dutch fishing equipment designer Ari ‘t Hart passed away a few days ago.

I never met him but I have always had a real soft spot for his designs, his reels in particular and a couple of those wee gems have passed through my ownership. The craftsmanship was second to none and I rue the day I didn't take the opportunity to pick up one of his Salmon reels at the CLA Game Fair back in 2013. Ah well 

To be fair, many folk wont have heard of Ari't Hart. But for the mainstream I believe he was a consultant with Hardy for the Angel series of reels - they bear an uncanny resemblance to his design philosophy. Dutch Reels continued with many of his designs and his own brand could (possibly) be classed as quirky or innovative, but never boring

I hope he knew how much joy his work and passion brought to others 

H

[Mike Barrio]

I hope he knew how much joy his work and passion brought to others 

I like that Hamish, well said 

Sad news indeed.

[Steven Kidd]

Sad news, but a fitting email tribute Hamish.

I've never owned one of his reels, but they just look special,  one day perhaps.

Steven

[Eddie Sinclair]

H,

His reels are truly things of beauty. Steven my son has had one for many years and it is a fantastic combination of engineering excellence combined with more than a hint of fishing art.

Ari definitely ploughed his own furrow when it came to form versus function and design.

He will be a sad loss to all who appreciated his work.

Eddie