How to set the bail spring on a Mitchell 300 spin fishing reel and how to reassemble the entire reel

This video starts by showing how to set the bail spring and includes the entire servicing of the popular Mitchell 300 fishing reel in a step by step process.
I have been servicing fishing reels for over 20 years and am sharing my experiences here. If you enjoy the video, please like it and subscribe to see more.
Questions? Comments? I reply to all.
Thank you for watching - Dennis
email [e-mail]
www.2ndchancetackle.com
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[@jasoncataldo3760]

Thank you for this Dennis...I used it to replace the spring on my 306...no way I could have done it without!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to help - Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@lawrencejohnston5135]

This is a wonderful explanation of the workings of a Mitchell 300 reel. I had two of these that sadly disappeared when my day died. I loved them. I bought a new one in 1975 and my dad gave my another reel as he became a Luxor guy. After over thirty years I am going to get back into spinning for rainbow trout. I picked up a Mitchell 330 and a 300 and have been able to take them apart and rebuild them with the aid of your videos. They really are timeless and somewhat indestructible reels. As long as you can source the bail springs you are fine. Mitchell reels from the 50s to the 80s are the definition of well built and timeless elegance. How many ball bearings? None. The big issue that I have found is that the reel foot will not fit into modern rods. It is too wide and too long. There is no problem with older rods.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Well said. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@ecrusch]

Thank you, Dennis. This video was a big help. Eric in Kissimmee Florida.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW Eric. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@bixxkailey4351]

Always a pleasure to watch you work on these old reels.. your very informative and I find it very relaxing to listen to your thoughts on these reels. Thank you for your dedication to your craft.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you like them! I just finished a Mitchell 300 reel in a bag project that I will. post in the coming days. Please stay watching - Dennis

[@gladegoodrich2297]

Mitchell 300 might be the most popular reel of all time.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes it was, and continues to be one of the most popular reels along with the Zebco 33 there were millions made and enjoyed to this day - Dennis

[@marvinharris2709]

Great video Dennis, thanks for all your help..Cheers from the UK

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks!!!! Always great to hear from my global friends that are brought together by a common love of fishing - Dennis

[@garrettlauzon1656]

When I first started working on Mitchell 300s, I hated resetting the bail springs, so I usually didn't mess with them. However, over time, I got better at it and no longer hate it. Great content as always, Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The fear factor is what makes it difficult. Thanks Garrett - Dennis

[@francispeters9304]

Thank you so much Dennis I am working on two of them right now and it's the spring thank you so very kindly

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW - thanks for watching - Dennis

[@richardcranium3417]

Thank you sir for showing setting the bail spring on the 300! I grew up fishing with Garcia Mitchell reels from the time I was old enough to cast. I’ve tried many different makes of reels over the years but Garcia Mitchell’s are still my favorites. I’ve been buying some and working on them to get them in condition to fish. Your videos are very well done and everything you’re doing is explained very well. Again Thank you and keep up the good videos!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@joycedimaggio3816]

Thanks Dennis. I ran out of grease, nice job on the bail. I thought I should leave that to a professional. This reel is 50 years old. It was the first reel I ever bought and still have the rod. One of my favorites. Thanks again!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome Joyce - Stay safe - Dennis

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

would like to see you disassemble, clean and reassemble a ,shakespeare vintage 2052 and 2062 please. thanks love your show.

[@poncerobinson279]

Thanks, you just saved me repair costs on 3 shimano reels! Awesome video!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@mikemcelveen2973]

Thank you Dennis! Enjoyed.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome Mike - Thanks for the feedback

[@theodoregangluff3942]

My question was answered. Great video

[@2ndChanceTackle]

THanks

[@dixonbuttes6564]

Incredibly helpful video - thank you!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You're very welcome! Best wishes - Dennis

[@franciscopeixoto6609]

Hello. Great stuff once again.. .Dennis the reel guru.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hey, thanks! Best wishes - Dennis

[@Christophersanchez1326]

I have a few of these reels that need some TLC. One has a spring ping sound when reeling it. Thank you for the video 🤠

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That ping sound is likely the baffle plate trip lever being bent out of shape. Remove the spool and crank the reel while looking inside the rotor cup. You sill likely see where the noise is coming from - Dennis

[@Christophersanchez1326]

@@2ndChanceTackle found.. the ping was from that plate. The problem was that arm was bent and would not let the bale set correct on that arm.. took it apart, gave the arm a bend, slap bang. No more ping.🤗

[@Christophersanchez1326]

@@2ndChanceTackle kzbin.info/www/bejne/gofXZmmYedatkJI

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you - I just did a full rebuild of the Vagabond reel and will be posting the video to my channel in the coming days - Dennis

[@Christophersanchez1326]

@@2ndChanceTackle 😊

[@user-qu7vr6yq8c]

thanks a lot for your manual. hello from germany. dirk

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome! - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I never cease to be amazed at the ingenuity of the Mitchell 300. They were meticulously engineered reels especially in the gearing.I You always seem to make working on bails look so easy. I !think Mitchell called this type of oscillation “planamatic.” I just had to repair this on a Mitchell 302 where a broken part had disabled this function. The posts on that inner ring that fits in the main gear had been sheered off somehow. Talking about freeing tight or stuck screws I have started using PB Blaster. It seems to work better than WD40 for me. Great vide Dennis.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

PB Blaster is a fine product, but I don't like the smell and lingering odor, so I only use it outdoors. I have had similar 302 reel issues with the studs breaking off of the rings. I often wonder if someone tried servicing the reel and did not set the studs in the holes, which could lead to them getting sheared off. Thanks Chris - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

2nd Chance Tackle Dennis, I received a lot of 4 surf spinning reels from EBay that I recently got for $14.98. They included a Shakespeare 2741, Calypso Mako, Quantum, XC-31, and a Sportfisher (Olympic). They all work and are large reels. I don’t know what a Calypso Mako is or who made it. It is a long cast reel and the largest of the lot. I have disassembled, cleaned and lubed the Shakespeare and the Quantum and they are fine reels. The Shakespeare has 1 BB and the Quantum has 3 BB. I don’t know about the other two as I haven’t opened them up yet. The first two were a lot of fun to work on but the Shakespeare had reverse threads on the rotor and I had to wrap it, put in in a vise, and use both hands and PB Blaster to get that rotor nut loose. I needed to rejuvenate the ball bearing. I got these to give my grandchildren reels to use the next time we go surf fishing. I’m going to remove all the paint from the Sportfisher (Olympic) reel and totally restore it. It actually works very well. This was the first lot I’ve ever purchased. You inspired me to try it. I’ll send you photos when I finish all of them. Still can’t believe they cost less than $4.00 per reel. I have also added a Daiwa 8600, another Shakespeare 2062, and another Mitchell 302 to my collection these past two weeks. Finding a new drag knob for the Daiwa 8600 was pretty difficult. Looking forward to some more of your fantastic spinning reel videos soon! Stay safe and well Dennis!!!

[@aaronamaro1023]

Thanks for this video!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome - Dennis

[@theodoregangluff3942]

I would like to see you put the washers and the plate back in.

[@gregsreelrevival]

Thank You for this! I inherited 2 of these and over the weekend broke down, cleaned and greased them. Now to find some 'period correct rods' and I'll take them to the neighborhood pond. Mush appreciated!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad it helped. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@frankgiovanni9214]

I know it's pretty off topic but do anyone know a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

[@kaydenaaron2090]

@Frank Giovanni i would suggest flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@dakotakamryn4242]

@Kayden Aaron Definitely, have been using flixzone for years myself :)

[@frankgiovanni9214]

@Kayden Aaron Thanks, signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) I really appreciate it !!

[@edwardroberts2997]

Thanks Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You're welcome. Please stay watching - Dennis

[@terrymccorkle1674]

I gave one that I got from an estate sale to my neighbor that said he would like to have it. I cleaned it up and it operated and looked new. Then I had to find me another one that wasn't near as nice but works perfectly

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There are a lot of these still around because of great design and engineering. I'm sure both reels will work fine and the fish won't know which is which - Best wishes - Dennis

[@joenorris7143]

I have a playbetween the cup/head bevel gear and the oscillating plate holder. Is there a spacer you can buy to stop the play between the head and reel body?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes, you should have a washer on the post where the rotor cup mounts. It is is missing, you will have play. The part number is 81204. You should be able to find that through internet resellers - Dennis

[@josephbolz4550]

My bail release is perpendicular but it likes to ride on the radius past the release notch and slow the flip where it half closes.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Try spraying the side mechanism and the lever, through the slot, with penetrating oil to free it up. It is usually dirt that causes the issue you are describing. If that doesn't help, you will need to remove the rotor and baffle plate for a better look at what is going on. It may be that you have a bent trip lever - Dennis

[@iancameron1662]

Theres a super small spring under the line spool.that can out of my reel.and was wondering how it go.s back together.can you do a vid on theme underneath part of spool. Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Tha spring holds the click tongue. You cn use the reel without it. It just won't make a noise when the drag is in use. I don't have that spool right now. I will add to my request list. Thanks for watching.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

i have my dad's old mitchell garcia 440 ,wondering if you got a service vid on that, the bail is either broken or too gunky because it is not locking when i try to close it and its lose either way, another thing i noticed is when i flip off the anti reverse switch and spin both ways it seems smooth and when i flip it into anti reverse it makes a clicking sound when spinning i assume that is normal? the drag is also smooth and makes no latch clicking sound like any other reels today, please let me know as id like to give an attempt at restoring it , he also has a mitchell 308 but its a big one with large rotor and spool and handle but smaller looking body frame, i think its made for sea fishing ,im sure he used them both for that and they are still not rusted lol they are well built ,the 308 seems to be working fine and still looks new

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Best to spray the internal trip lever and the bail parts with a penetrating oil. That will usually help resolve your problem. I do not have a video on the 440, but the Mitchell 330 has the identical set up in a smaller reel. I have a video on that one that you can watch by following this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2XPq3R5hMqlh8k. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@2ndChanceTackle thank you, ill have a look at the 330 vid and get back to you from there if i have any more questions

[@MiliMike24]

Added a 300 to my collection to restore recently, to go along with my 302 and 306. What type of grease are you using on the re-assembly, Dennis?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I use Penn Precision reel grease, but you can use any manufacturer's brand, as long as it is fishing reel grease - Dennis

[@chrispayne3384]

I took my 300 A real off and now I can't get the parts back inside. I guess it would be underneath the cap that comes off. when I pulled it off there's a wire in there and there's a metal piece can you how to put the little wire back in and the little washer. Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Chris - please send a picture of the part and a note to my email [e-mail] and I will try to help you -Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@joenorris7143]

I ordered the shim 81024 for my Mitchell 300 . I received 2 shims. I put both of them and still have the slightest movement between the head and reel body. Is this permissible or do I need to find another shim to take up this very small play? Joe

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The small play is OK. The shims are there to make up for variances in the tolerances of the manufacturing process.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

so the way the bail trip mechanism is designed its made to close the bail by turning the handle? because most reels they tell you to close the bail by hand in order to keep the gear and pinion from getting damaged with repeated use since it knocks on the same spot each time, i suppose with this one its designed to be closed using the handle because of this ramp mechanism or maybe they build them reels and gears tougher in the old days?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - you turn the handle to trip the bail

[@ARCSTREAMS]

@@2ndChanceTackle ahh ok so its not necessary to close the bail by hand on this reel in order to keep it smooth on the gears and give the mechanise longer life?

[@goofe.washington953]

Can the baffle be installed upside down (improperly)? In other words, is there only one way for the baffle to be installed correctly?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The baffle plate has the trip ramp on it. That should face down. It is very easy to install it upside down and make that mistake - Dennis

[@marialuisamartinez8853]

do you know if the Garcia Mitchell 301A has the same bail spring of the 301 or 300 I try to replace it with a 300 and it seems is a bit biger will you please let me know

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 300 bail spring will not fit it as the coil is reverse of the 301. I don't know if the spring on the 301 changed when the 301a came out. I don't think it did, but it is possible. The internal gearing on the 301A is nothing like the 301. If the spring from the 300 fists inside the cavity (even thought is is wound backwards) then the 301 would also fit the 301a - Dennis

[@fjbaaj]

@@2ndChanceTackle thanks Mr. Dennis from my wife Maria and me , we got this reel on Ebay and is in really good shape only the spring bail was broken we try to replace it with a 300 and we couldn't , finally with your help we realize it was backwards so we order the right one and now is up and running

[@aleef852]

Hi is it normal for the bail to hit the spool when i try to open the bail when the spool is high up?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

No. You likely have a bent bail wire

[@tomwinkel5182]

Can you repair the spring on the bail of a Mitchell 330 spinning reel ? I took the spring off and can't put it on properly

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I haven't worked on one in a while. If you would like me to try, please send a note to me at [e-mail] for repair information Thanks for asking Dennis