Mitchell300 Spinning Fishing

To start this, This is not the old Mitchell 300, it resembles it only in appearance. The old model really wouldn’t sell to the newest generation of fisherman. It is a Chinese made reel that is contract produced in one of the dozen or so Chinese factories in China that produce probably 90% of the rod blanks, rods. Reels etc for the sport’s fishing industry. That’s the way it is today. That said it has a lot faster retrieval rate. Instant anti reverse. Lots of bearings etc. very smooth. For $40 price tag. Expect it to be as good as Kast King and other numerous reels in this price range. Quality and features jump in these reels as prices jump to the $60. $80 dollar ranges. A manufacturer like Abu Garcia I’m sure has quality standards and good support. They included a parts schematic and a couple of the nylon bushings that wear from use of the drag. I actually took this reel apart inspected lubricants and gears. Everything looks like quality. The anti reverse switch looks solid. The bail does have a plastic ( nylon ) part that may concern some. For most this reel will last. It has a nice balance. In this price range you get what you pay for. Worth $60!? No. $40 yes. You want more- pay for it. As always shop wisely. I am a casual few times A year fisherman. I paired with an old Cabelas fish eagle rod that was unused for many years. Perfect match for a 300 size reel like this Mitchell- it’s a true 300 in the traditional sense weight/size. Main reason I bought it. No fuss over the confusing labeling that is used today.

The anti-reverse might be fragile. I do not use back reeling on an open spin-casting reel. -It is a stout reel smooth and a bit crisp, but I am confident it will feel like my old-timers. I looked at the 300Pro, but I don't expect to live long enough to benefit from it. But, I admit I don't use that point of view on baitcasting reels. The $40 plus seems a bargain to me for a very good modern 300 !

I'm writing this review to tell you something you may not know.I read many of the reviews and one stuck out.It was from a gentleman that said his drag didn't work right from the box. I had the same thing happen and this is the problem.If you use braid it can slip on the spool.The drag is not the problem. You can tell if this happens when you pull the line off the reel and the spool doesn't spin but only the line does, You need to use mono or other backing first to keep this from happening orhave the kine put on by a machine. I was told this by Reel Perfection .Reel Repair in Md. Jerry Serson

I bought a Mitchell 308 and a 300. The 308 is not noticeably smaller than the 300. Only the body is slightly smaller. The 308 has a shallow spool vs. a deep spool on the 300. Both are very smooth compared to the old versions of these reels. The finish is a soft touch dull black. Nice but not sure how durable it will be? Overall, I like both of these reels but I don't think they are any better than most other reels in the same price range. The Pflueger President spinning reel feels a bit better quality than these Mitchells. I hope I get years out of these reels like I did my old Garcia Mitchell's.

I remembered these from my younger days and was happy to see they are still made. I was not disappointed in the quality and it is easy to use. Several fishermen have asked where I found it.