Northwest Fishing Reports

I love my Mitchell!! Had it since 1989(bought it used) and many a Bass and silver salmon have felt the squeek that thing makes on their lips..LOL

I grew up using a Mitchell 300 reel almost every weekend during the fifties and sixties. Then when I was raising three sons during the eighties and early nineties I bought Mitchell 300A reels for them.

Recently, I began buying these old reels on eBay and restoring them to excellent working condition if possible. I currently have 10 model 300 and 300A reels so that I can outfit several of my grandchildren at one time.

I completely disassemble and clean the reels inside and out, repair or replace any bad parts, lubricate them using oil and aluminum-complex marine grease (Sta-Lube SL 3121). I sell some of the cleaned and lubed reels on eBay but I have not been able to do nearly as well as the earlier writer: The last model 300A I sold went for less than $10 after being reconditioned, though when I bid on reels, I usually can not buy them for less than $20 to $30 even when their condition is terrible.

Obviously, it is not a money making operation. I don't do it for that reason. These reels are still excellent performers when not worn out. They are unmatched for simplicity, durability and rugged reliability I am usually interested in picking up another of these reels and sometimes I even sell one too.

Terry, nice to see you reply/info on what you're doing with the Mitchell's. When I get around to organizing my Mitchell parts/reels, I may send you a message if there is anything that you would like. It's nice to think of the stuff going to someone who has an appreciation. As much as I like them,, I admit that I have gone over to a different more modern deigned reel for my daily driver.

So I recently found a vintage harnell spinning rod that has the two rings to hold the reel. My 3rd gen 52-54 is now spooled, lubed and waiting in my trunk for opening weekend! Here's to keepin it old school one fish at a time!

I scored big time on Mothers day.I was helping my mom and dad clean out their garage today. I totally filled my pick up with junk and a few treasures.I found a box on an upper shelf which turned out to be my fishing gear from the 60's / 70's.In it were two Mitchell 300's.Two telescoping rods,Sammy specials (an old pre tied steelhead lure)two crocodile spoons,With the Mitchells there were 3 extra spools. SCORRRRREEEE!!!!!!

I am currently using my grandfathers old Mitchell 300 on my Eagle Claw featherlite. Great reel. Use it for all fish: bass, trout, trolling for Koks, you name it. Father has a couple as well. Unlce uses one too.

Caught countless fish of all types with the 300, and never a problem. Got a GLoomis GL2 recently, and considering transferring it to that pole, instead of buying a new reel. Still undecided.

They are built like a tank for sure.

Also bought a used 310 I think it was- nowhere near the durability of the 300.

I recall the Mitchell reels having a rugged durability. Do not remember if they had a smoooooooth drag or not? Heavy too? Was the handle reversible for right or left hand retrieve?

During the 60's or 70's, wasn't there a two tone green, painted Abu Garcia that competed with the Mitchell 300's? I seem to remember having one of each model, each having a spare spool. With a round, red plastic storage container for the Abu spare spool.

That was the Cardninal series. Two tone green. I have both mine at home. One spinning I used to plunk the rivers the other was for trout/steelhead. I grew up using the Mitchell 300,and the Phluger Supreme baitcaster.I've been working on getting my gear all together but I have so so much gear.

MotoBoat wrote: I seem to remember having one of each model, each having a spare spool. With a round, red plastic storage container for the Abu spare spool.

I am the original poster... about 2 years back? Anyway, I've got about 4-5 of these, and yes, they had spare spools with a plastic spool holder. I will prob. put them up on the for sale block soon. Great at one time, but I too have moved on to 10-12 bearings of smoothness, called the Plugher President, ahhhhh..

The Quadfather wrote:

MotoBoat wrote: I seem to remember having one of each model, each having a spare spool. With a round, red plastic storage container for the Abu spare spool.

I am the original poster... about 2 years back? Anyway, I've got about 4-5 of these, and yes, they had spare spools with a plastic spool holder. I will prob. put them up on the for sale block soon. Great at one time, but I too have moved on to 10-12 bearings of smoothness, called the Plugher President, ahhhhh..

12 bearings of smooooooth! My old spin caster of yesterCentury..........LOL! Had open bearings made up of individual round balls. Much like a BB. Come to think of it, some fell out one time while inspecting the reel for enough grease. I seam to remember the BB's were interchangeable with the ones in the "Red Ryder" BB gun......LOL! With that in mind, I think as kid. I ran a couple through the BB gun.........ooops! Reel handle got a little wobbly after that.

I inherited a whole big mess of 50s-60s era tackle , including a bunch of Mitchell 300 series "coffee grinders" . Some are still in the original box with then manual , etc. , and others are hanging on vintage spinning rods . I also have a couple of Johnson spincasters in MINT condition , in their boxes, as well as some Pflueger Skilcasts and Penn reels, also in excellent shape. My intent is to store them in a cool ,dry place for now, or possibly display them if I ever get my dream of a "sportsman's den" in my home.... then, when I retire and have the time, find nice homes for them with collectors to generate some extra fishin' trip funds. I don't suppose they will be going DOWN in value any time soon , right ?

It seems like every 2nd guy has used a 300. But I have a 301 brand new in the box. If any one is
interested, give me a jingle.. fischer, 206-772-1259

The 301 has the rounder bottom of reel?

It is the same as a 300, but it is left handed.

Mitchell made a reel that was less expensive as the 300. I remember it had a smaller round body.

I currently use a Mitchell 300 (mid 60s rougher condition) I use it on my humpy set up. I had no idea people collected these.

im only 15 and I have 4 of them. I don't use them, but there cool to have. Once I move out in a few years, I plan on decorating my place with antique fishing and hunting gear.

I use everytime I fish for tout. I run them them on my old school Abu Garcia colonial and Harnell trout rods.

What was cool over this last weekend was finding 4 extra spools and two cases with screw on lids to hold the extra spools. I love finding stuff like that.