A limited-edition salmon reel named after Sir Ian Botham, made to commemorate England’s Ashes victory over Australia this year, is about to be launched by Hardy’s. The 4in reel, called the Beefy Perfect, will cost a hefty £1200. Sounds a lot? Well, Hardy already has pre-orders for most of the 50 being made. If you want one, you need to get in quickly because previous Hardy limited editions have held their value well, and this one has the lowest run for a hand-made Hardy reel that it is sure to increase in value. It’s also likely to prove very popular with anglers who are cricket fans – especially British fishermen, because the reel is engraved: “2013 Ashes victory Sir Ian Botham.” Given how England are performing in Australia in the current Ashes series, it may prove even more of a collectors’ item. Sir Ian is a keen salmon fisherman who uses Hardy tackle by choice. The full story appears in the new edition of Classic Angling.