Hardy BABY BOUGLE HERITAGE REEL 2013

The Hardy Baby Bouglé Heritage Reel (2013) is a modern classic, celebrated for its lightweight design and the signature "sweet-toned" check. Since this reel uses a traditional click-and-pawl system, most "repairs" are actually deep-cleaning or part-replacement tasks.

1. Initial Inspection and Tools

Before dismantling, ensure you have a clean, light-colored workspace to prevent losing small screws.

Required Tools:

• Small flat-head precision screwdriver.

• Isoclean or mild degreaser.

• High-quality reel oil and synthetic grease.

• Lint-free microfiber cloth.

• Toothbrush (soft bristles).

2. Disassembly Procedure

The Bouglé features a frame-and-spool design held together by a central spindle screw.

• Remove the Spool: Turn the small textured screw on the face of the spool counter-clockwise. Pull the spool straight off the spindle.

• Access the Internals: The internal "check" mechanism (the clicker) is housed within the frame.

• Remove the Pawls: If the springs are weak or the pawls are worn, use your screwdriver to carefully remove the retaining screws holding the springs in place.

3. Common Repairs and Troubleshooting

Weak Clicker (Silent or Mushy Sound)

This is usually caused by a fatigued "V" spring or a worn pawl.

1. Check the Pawl: If the point of the pawl is rounded, it won't engage the gear teeth properly. Flip the pawl to its unused side (the Bouglé is usually symmetrical for Left/Right hand wind) or replace it.

2. Adjust the Spring: If the sound is weak, you can very gently increase the tension of the V-spring by widening the "V" slightly with pliers. Do this in tiny increments; the tempered steel can snap if overstressed.

Gritty Rotation

If the reel feels "crunchy" when turning:

1. Clean the Spindle: Wipe the central spindle and the internal bore of the spool with a degreaser.

2. Clear the Gear: Use a toothbrush to remove old, hardened grease from the teeth of the brass gear located on the back of the spool.

3. Lubricate: Apply one drop of reel oil to the spindle and a tiny dab of grease to the gear teeth. Do not over-grease, as this attracts sand and grit.

Correcting "Overrun"

If the spool spins too freely (backlashing), the drag tension needs adjustment.

• Locate the tension regulator screw on the rim of the frame.

• Ensure the spring is properly seated against the tension plunger. If the plunger is stuck, clean it with alcohol and apply a drop of oil to ensure it moves freely against the spring.

4. Converting Retrieve Direction

The 2013 Heritage model is easily reversible.

1. Engage the pawl on the side you wish to use as the "check" (the side that resists the line being pulled out).

2. Disengage the opposite pawl so it does not touch the gear.

3. Ensure the tension screw is applying pressure to the active spring.

5. Reassembly and Maintenance

• Slide the spool back onto the spindle, ensuring the gear seats correctly over the pawl.

• Hand-tighten the central screw.

• Storage Tip: When not in use for long periods, turn the tension regulator to its lowest setting. This prevents the internal springs from taking a "set" and losing their elasticity.

Technical Specifications for Reference

The 2013 Heritage edition is built from 6061 bar-stock aluminum. For replacement parts, note that while many Bouglé parts are interchangeable, the Baby (2 13/16 inch) uses specific smaller pawls and springs than the 3 inch or 3 1/4 inch models.