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Last post 19 years ago by snowwolf777. 9 replies replies.
Mitchell 300 Reel
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00camper Offline
#1 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 5:59 AM EST
Joined: 07-11-2003
Posts: 2,326
I stopped at a yard sale on Monday to kill some time and wound up buying a nice flexible fishing rod with a Mitchell 300 reel. The reel needs some work - the anti-reverse is broken - and some cleaning, but it is otherwise okay.

Since I don't know anything about fishing equipment (except that the hook goes in the water and the rod / reel should stay in your hand) I'm hoping the Forum Experts can help me out.

Is this Mitchell 300 a good reel or should I throw it out and buy something new for the rod?
bassdude Offline
#2 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 6:17 AM EST
Joined: 01-13-2004
Posts: 8,871
can't help with this one. never have used a Mitchell. I am guessing it is spin cast?

I strictly use med/hvy action rods with abu garcia baitcasting reels.
EI Offline
#3 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 6:27 AM EST
Joined: 06-29-2002
Posts: 5,069
Hope this helps... If it is an old one it may have collectors value


http://www.landbigfish.com/tacklestore/showcase.cfm?
PID=954


http://users.skynet.be/bk292282/history.html

http://www.hunting-fishing-gear.com/review-display/87.html

Google is a wonderful thing
gerber Offline
#4 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 6:32 AM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 783
Camp, the Mitchell 300 is a bit of a classic spinning reel and seems to hold up well judging by how many old ones are bought on eBay. By the same token, there are lots of them available for a good price and in perfect working condition. I guess you need to be the judge of whether you want to put time into fixing the one you bought. Personally, I prefer going with what's easiest, and there are so many great reels out there these days, both new and used, at a good price that I would tend toward getting something new or in good shape. But that's just me. Some of your decision might also hinge on what kind of fishing you want to do and what kind of pole you bought. If you're a newbie to fishing, I would pay a visit to a local tackle shop and just start asking questions. You can learn a lot from the folks who are in the know, and they can help ensure that you get set up with the right equipment for the kind of fishing you want to do.
THL Offline
#5 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 6:34 AM EST
Joined: 10-22-2002
Posts: 3,044
The Mitchell 300 series were very good reels in their day. Some collector might be interested.
I have a 308 that is about 40 yrs old, and it still works fine.
jd1 Offline
#6 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 2:44 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
This was my first reel. It's all my Dad had that lasted any amount of time. Still have a few of the old units. The newer units are OK, but IMHO not built as well. Regardless, if you keep them clean and once a year take them apart and clean them really good and lube them up, you kids can enjoy them.
jd1 Offline
#7 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 2:46 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
This was my first reel. It's all my Dad had that lasted any amount of time. Still have a few of the old units. The newer units are OK, but IMHO not built as well. Regardless, if you keep them clean and once a year take them apart and clean them really good and lube them up, you kids can enjoy them.
jd1 Offline
#8 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 2:47 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
!@#$%^ error said a timeout occured, then two postings...oh well...
CWFoster Offline
#9 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 2:55 PM EST
Joined: 12-12-2003
Posts: 5,414
I have a Mitchell on a surf-caster I own. It's a decent reel, but I don't surf-fish much. I like the construction on the older reels, my pride and joy is an Ambassadeur 5000 (no a, b' c, d, or any other letters, just 5000) it's guts are solid brass, and no plastic to be seen, except for a very few non-stressed parts. They don't make'em like that anymore! My Dad left me that reel when he passed, and the way it's going, I'll probably leave it to my son!
mattmelcher Offline
#10 Posted: Thu, Oct 14 2004, 3:08 PM EST
Joined: 02-08-2004
Posts: 96
clean it up - spool it up - use it.

The Mitchel 300 is the classic spinning reel. It's also quite common. As for collector value, unless it's mint (obviously it's not) and in a box you couldn't get more than $20 for it.

If you can't fix the anti-reverse you should just get yourself a new reel.
snowwolf777 Offline
#11 Posted: Fri, Oct 15 2004, 1:54 AM EST
Joined: 06-03-2000
Posts: 4,082
The anti-reverse was the weak spot in the older 300s. Back in the 70s when I used 300s, the tackle shops carried the anti-reverse springs in the reel repair department. Depending on where you live, you may still have a tackle shop that does reel repair and may have the piece. Or you could perhaps find it on line.

Anymore, most bait shops don't bother with reel repair. It's all Bass Pro and Cabela's now. Not that I'm complaining. I don't think I've had a reel break in 20 years.
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