The Hardy Fortuna Regent was awarded the 2025 Consumer Choice Award for Best Saltwater Reel by The Fly Fishing Show, a traveling consumer show for fly anglers nationwide. The competition featured 38 categories with 150 products, which were voted on by fly anglers attending the seven shows put on throughout the United States. The award celebrates the best new products in fly-fishing for 2025.

Designed to handle the most demanding saltwater conditions and species, the Fortuna Regent is built with a powerful, carbon fiber multipad drag system, ultra-large arbor design and a fully sealed waterproof drag. Field-tested by some of the top saltwater anglers, the reel has proven itself in some of the harshest environments and toughest battles.

“This award is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the anglers who use and trust our gear,” said Jake Fischenich, Hardy brand manager. “The Fortuna Regent is a reel built for serious saltwater pursuits, by those who spend the majority of their days in harsh conditions. We are honored that it’s been chosen as the best saltwater fly reel by the fly-fishing community.”

Designed for use in some of the most demanding conditions, the Fortuna Regent delivers effortless control, power and rapid line retrieval when you need it most. Drag is adjusted with a tensioned regulator that results in positive, linear drag application within a one turn range while delivering impressive top-end drag. Also, the large arbor spool delivers exceptional line pickup, and the narrow spool profile ensures easy, level stacking of the line during the heat of the battle.

The Fortuna Regent is available in two color options — gray-silver and black — with models starting at $695. For more information about the Fortuna Regent reel and Hardy, visit the Hardy website.