NEW MITCHELL 300 SPINNING REEL VS. OLD MITCHELL 300 SPINNING REEL

How do the legendary Mitchell 300s of old stack up against the modern Mitchell 300?

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#Mitchell300spinningreel

[andrewthomas]

I was 12 when I got a 300 back in 68 for Christmas…..best Christmas presy ever …..I felt I had arrived at big boy fishing ….👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧.

[briangrant]

I have 2 Mitchell 300's that are over 50 years old. They work like new, right now its the only reel I use!

[garrettlauzon]

I'll take a Vintage 300 over a modern one any day. They're easier to work on and last forever

[apapay]

I have a pile of older Mitchell’s that were made in France. I love them!

[timturner]

Mitchell 300 best reel ever made I've had my collection for 40 years. Still a great reel

[kogabear]

Back in the day, I won’t say how far back, this reel was king. I recently bought two new ones and put them on old school rods and the feel is so much better than I remember.

[tomjordan]

I'm still using a Mitchell 300 I bought used in the Summer of "69. Garcia Mitchell makes a 400 and a 410 that are both "high speed" retrieves (5+/1). The reverse rotation makes it so you can point at the spool and wind the line right onto your finger for casting, Also there is a 330 and a 440 that are Auto Bail. You touch and release the bail without touching the line. Great reels for casting braid all day. I love my Mitchell reels. If you've never fished a 308 or 408 (hs) with the Planomatic retrieve your missing out. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work and Thanks.

[larryelliott]

Still have my old Garcia Mitchell 300. A 1966 graduation present from my parents. Couple of years ago in Florida, picked up a “new” 300…like it also. Loved your video. Keep up the great work.

[ronaldcarlson]

I still have my 300 bought in 1967 along with the 7' fiber glass rod that my brother-in-law talked me into when I got out of the USAF . Also the rod and reel we got my dad for Father's Day the next year. We would use the shallow spool with lighter line for pan fish and the deep spool for walleye and northerns. I got my biggest bass, 6#4oz on that light rod and line. Always loved that set-up.

[trapin]

Those old Mitchell 300's bring back a mountain of memories. Fishing with my grandfather on Van Ettan Lake in Oscoda, Michigan as a kid. Pulling Erie Dearie's behind his 16ft Lund and bringing a mess of walleye into the boat. Watching him catch Pike off the dock with a frozen smelt on a bobber. All his reels were Mitchell 300's as was my first reel. Thanks for getting dirt in my eye this morning Dave. ;-)

[neilmushrow]

I only use vintage Mitchell’s, caught first fish on my friends dad 300 it in 1978, he was the envy of everyone at the pond. I use them all over the world. Great little video and would tell anyone and everyone to have a Mitchell 300, 400 or match and an older rod. This is the best way to fish a summer’s evening. 👍👍👍

[russellparker]

Grew up using the old 300's, great reels. I'll try a new model now also. Thanks!

[stevegengozian]

Got one for a 10th birthday gift in 1976. It still works and is in great shape. I don’t use it anymore it’s displayed with some other antique fishing gear.

[sunysyup]

I use the old Mitchells mainly for dunking. I found the vintage 300 size to be very good for catching bonefishes loaded with 300yds of 8 pound mono. You need to keep a spare handle in your gear because they break due to age and use. I had two handles break recently and was happy to see the parts are still available through online vendors. Oh, and I have 20 vintage Mitchells from the 308 to 488, ten are the 300s. When I see them at the flea markets, I can't help but buy them, usually for less than $20.

[geradebowden]

My brother and I had Mitchell 300’s back in the 70’s . Thanks for the nice review. Brought back some memories for me.

[hodagtrapper]

Very good tutorial on Mitchell spinning reels. Grew up using closed face reels and never had the chance to use a Mitchell spinning reel. They have definitely stood the test of time, though!

[georgejob]

I gave my nephew all my tackle as I'm worn out arthritis, two classic Mitchell's 300, s from 1963... He has been using one and an old guy wanted to but, not for sale at any price...

[andrewthomas]

The french did something right for a change…an iconic reel the old 300

[lawrencejohnston]

The old Mitchell 300s don't have the modern tech. In many ways this is a good thing. They are very easy to take apart and service. Spare parts (especially bail springs) are not hard to find. They have a very elegant and simple design which is likely why they last so long. They may be a bit on the heavier side and that is because of the mostly metal parts. Parts for many newer reels may not be available in the future as manufacturers move on to newer models that do not have rearward and reverse compatibility. If you are a fan of rugged and timeless devices the older Mitchell 300 series is unbeatable.

[Catfish]

My observation with the deeper old spool was for larger weight line diameter. We used them for river fishing for Carp. Mostly 12 to 16 lb. test back then. We always brought extra line because we would lose big Carp and line with it. We didn't have the money for extra spools. Now they are all over the internet. Now I have 308's, 408's, 300's and love finding classic Mitchells.
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