Mitchell 300

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

The summer heat has passed and my fall fishing season is in full swing.

A few years ago I cleaned up an old Mitchell 300 that we found in my grandfather's shed after he passed away.

I was prepared to order parts and do some rebuilding, but as I cleaned her up It became apparent that It was in near perfect condition.

I asked my dad and about when he bought it, and when he last used it... as far as I can tell it was purchased in the late 50s and had probably been in the shed since the early 60s.

I've fished with it some over the past couple of years. The drag is smooth, and it casts fine.

Newer reels work better... they bring in the line a lot faster, and the placement and design of the handles are much better on even the cheapest modern reels.

BUT... Will the modern reels be catching fish 60 years?

I don't believe they will.


******

In my Mitchell 300 excitement, I bought the modern version of this reel around the same time I fixed this one up.

It lasted about one full season before the soft plastic screws that hold the handle on stripped out.

 

[Brendan]

Where was the modern version made, Mt Funkenhouser?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Where was the modern version made, Mt Funkenhouser?

As far as I can tell, it was made where all the other things are made (China).

To be fair, it's a decent quailty reel as far as reels in that price range go. I ought to just find a place to buy the plastic parts to fix it.



and I should add, I didn't actually buy it. It was a gift.

 

[huntertrw]

RBF:

If you search for "mitchell fishing reel parts online" you will find a number of potential sources. Good luck in restoring this reel!