Garcia Mitchell 300 Reel Annual Service Repair

This video on Garcia Mitchell 300 Reel Annual Service Repair shows what you should do annually depending on use and care. For a complete list of all classic egg-shaped Mitchell reels this would apply to; see or ask Questions at mitchellreelmuseum.com/forum/ on the Mitchell Mates International Discussion Group website. Tight Lines, Wallace Carney

[@TheAthleticCoach]

*Bought a 500 for an ultralight rod. It's very smooth **enjoyable.fishing** recommend casts great. One odd thing- the bale wire is a bit heavy diameter in my opinion for a reel of this size. But a great purchase.*

[@Mitchellreels]

See link below to fix most bail wire problems: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Yiqemaa9onJYsi=7hzWhkMjGZ3Ad0QJ

[@billmoran935]

This video has been presented by a guy that is an old school professional. Thank you so very much.

[@WallaceCarney]

Well thank you for that! I was taught by my dad who was definitely old school! The only thing I didn’t do that he taught was I never use petroleum grease. But what do I know! He would field strip his Mitchell 300 reel after each use! Bless his heart❤

[@timjimturner]

The 300 is in my opinion the best reel ever made. I've got 4 of them and use them for carp, pike and general coarse fishing. One of them is over 20 years old and still going strong, I'd never replace them. Tight lines TT England

[@atlantisblue11]

I have a Garcia Mitchell 300 reel that was purchased by my father circa 1965. Recently I found this video, and decided to give this reel a good cleaning, in preparation for a fishing trip in August. It will be a backup reel, but nevertheless it will see some action! What a delightful experience! The video was clear, concise, and very easy to follow. Well done!

[@raylandalton4555]

you prolly dont care but if you are bored like me during the covid times then you can watch all the new series on Instaflixxer. Been watching with my brother for the last weeks xD

[@westintrace4107]

@Raylan Dalton Definitely, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for months myself =)

[@ke3552]

Outstanding piece of work.

[@fredlance2538]

this is A prime example of A product that was made to last, unlike so many things of today that are just throw away . Back when I was A kid our local sporting goods store had several reps. from Mitchell right before the opening of trout season that would preform yearly service and fix any mitchell reel free of charge . Truly A great product and company.

[@montydewitt547]

I love Mitchell reels. I have 3 300’s. 1 308 and 1 301 right handed. They were made so well. Thanks for the tips. 👍

[@glennrobbins2372]

I still have my first 300 that is 45 yrs old. I also have 3 more, 2 I use, one is for backup and the other is for parts. I also have the same in 308s as well. I will never give them up. Such great reels!

[@bobmariano3731]

Agreed 👍have the same reels too ! ⚾️🎣

[@paulmaul2186]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make this.

[@southernlongleafoutdoors6304]

Great video! I watched this and was able to breakdown, clean, and rebuild my grandfathers reel. The process went smoothly, thank you very much.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

You are who I made this for my friend! And more like you...

[@7134silver]

Thank You. I just went to my moms house and now have my dads Mitchell 300. It was a little dusty so I dipped it in a bucket of clear water and washed it off. It turns, but with your very informative video I can now take it to its best condition. Thanks again.hank

[@djrobinson63]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise on this reel! I have had a Garcia Mitchell 330 since I was 10 years old. I am now 51, and would say it has been used and abused with some novice servicing for the last 40 years. That is a hell of a track record for a reel.Thank you so much for posting this great insight on how to service a great reel back to the trout taking legend it began as, my hat off to you, sir!

[@Vinzbmpnd]

Hope all is well I just wanted to thank you sir for taking the time to do these videos and sharing your knowledge and expertise with everyone priceless!!

[@xdavid999]

Add my thanks for your videos! Just cleaned up an old 410. Not exactly the same as this but close enough. I would never have figured out how to get the main shaft out since it was pretty tightly stuck in with old grease. Your video showed everything I needed to see!

[@johnholder4203]

Just decided to us my Garcia Mitchell 300 this year. Getting ready for fishing season located it on a shelf in a plain box wrapped in plastic. Turned the real handle it turned smoother then my newer Mitchell's. I have one that is a little bigger than the 300 without a handle on it. All i can say is smooth,smooth and smoother.

[@rockysan]

Thanks for this video. Just tuned up two of my 300s, one from 1962 and thew other from 1965. Still my favorites.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Mine also, glad I could help! Wallace

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Thanks guys, I'm happy it's helping my fishing buddies. Tight Lines, Wallace

[@christopherjenkins2373]

This was a very fine, meticulous cleaning! Very fine job. I have 9 Mitchell reels and love then all. I would not like working on my 330 Auto Bail however.

[@ericspears1790]

Great video thanks for posting. I just tuned up serviced two of my late grandpas 300s .polished the flat part of the axle ,teeth on the rotor gear and the one the meets up with it. They feel like brand new reels. They took to tuning like they was highend new baitcasters there simply awesome reels. It's crazy these was his favorite carp reels .

[@Kentucky338]

Thank you. I've watched other videos and yours is the only one that was a true step by step. Every other video skips important steps that leaves you wondering what they did. Very helpful, thank you.

[@beatlezrawesome]

Getting one of these from my grandfather on the 24th. Thanks for posting. He said it would need work. Hoping the drag and bail springs are okay.

[@grahamsmith21]

excellent vid.very thorough ,step by step. ive got 2 Mitchell 810 's which I can service myself now confidently. thankyou.

[@sgenoves116]

Thanks for creating this! I used this to service my 300A without issue.

[@madblunted]

Awesome I just picked one of these up in a garage sale. It’s a Mitchell and Garcia and it’s almost identical except the handle has a screw at the end instead of that counter weight. It’s in pretty used shape I will be doing this to it as I want to pair it with a nice cork handled pole and use it for fishing this year.

[@thaslabdriver84]

My fishing buddy and brother in law only has vintage Mitchell's and loves them. I just bought 302 in pretty good condition for $30 and I'm going to be using it on my surf rod. I love the clicker it's great for hearing the line take off, while in the wind and surf noise.

[@kathleenpalese4334]

thaslabdriver84 6

[@MegaJackpot180]

i have been fishing for 40 yrs now and tried to move with the times and buy modern tackle but still i go back to using my mitchell 300 i was given as a child and a 40 yr old ABU 506 i am seriously thinking of just using classic reels thanks for the upload

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

You're welcome Abe, I've only used vintage Mitchell reels since the mid 1990s. Every time I'm asked by someone to try their new reel, I'm never impressed. They just don't feel right :-) Wallace

[@murchadha1]

Exactly what i did probably a lot of us i imagine .

[@andyledger2307]

Ditto. I'm still using the Rodrill 12' fibreglass rod my Dad bought me Christmas 1978, and I now have a Mitchell 300 from '75 to go with it. I have modern gear too, but there's a part of me that's still hankering for the days when my fishing was informed by an old copy of 'Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing', and pocket money was spent on maggots.

[@20alphabet]

Agreed, wholeheartedly.

[@marvinharris2709]

You know what, I just can’t get on with modern reels as good as they are. I’m still using Mitchell reels such as the 440a, 410 & 810, I just feel comfortable using them after all this time..they’ve seen the test of time…fantastic piece of kit.

[@deemdoubleu]

I remember my Grandad showing me how to do this in the 70's. I think I used to repeat the procedure every other night!

[@SUBSCRIBERSWITHACTUALVIDEOS]

Thank you for your time and efforts!

[@Georgeolddrones]

2023 and still brilliant 👍🇬🇧

[@newportgwentdragons]

What a great video. Many thanks for this. The Mitchell 300 is a great reel and a design classic (although in my humble opinion, the 410 was an even better reel). More like this please? Perhaps a 440?

[@woden20]

I've got 2 one is well used but the other is still in the plastic box and never been used with the spare spool and user booklet. It was my grandads. Thanks for sharing

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

I use WD-40 or Goo-Gone. Both are stocked at Lowes Hardware and are very safe to use. FYI, don't interchange any parts between reels or they won't run as smooth. Good Luck and Have Fun, Wallace

[@tylereastgate3194]

Outstanding video, you just inspired a new hobby for me!

[@tntrex0]

Great video. I have a reel service and two 300's came in today! Talk about coincidence!

[@chrisbrunson6761]

I have the 300a AMD these instructions work for that... it does add a gasket between the reel halves. Do pay attention to the shims. Good video.

[@tonynapoli5549]

Thanks for sharing Great reel’s

[@mrbreezeet1]

Thanks Wallace, I just fixed my bail spring on a France made 300 Mitchell , using your other video about the bail wire and spring. It was a little bit bent like the one in your video, not as far off though, but after removing the small screw, it did not stay centered over the boss like you state it should. So I carefully bent it into proper position. There must have been some grit in where the bail spring is too, you could hear it, and it was not snapping back 100%. I disassembled the bail spring, and cleaned everything up, and using your video, replaced the spring, and it is working perfect. The spring was really not that hard to replace. Also,opened up the case (like a book) and took the old dried up grease out, Cleaned, and re greased everything. I was scared to take the anti-reverse dog and spring out all together, so I cheated, and just cleaned it with a q-tip and some solvent and re greased it. I guess that will be OK? I too have a, made in Taiwan 300 coming from E bay, but now I am worried, does the made in Taiwan 300 have plastic gears? I have heard it is a pretty good reel too, (made in Taiwan ) but now I am wondering. I want to have 2, 300 reels for my medium action 6 foot ugly stick rods, for my river rods.

[@mrbreezeet1]

I now have a total of 4............LOL My finding with the 300 made in Taiwan model, is that it seems to be a good user reel. So far, it is smooth, and quiet, and have had no problems. I got a good deal on the Taiwan model, ($17.00 with shipping) and got another 300 (regular 300) that is pretty clean, for $21.00 shipped. She had it on there starting at $14.95, but shipping was $12.70. No one bid on it. I wrote and asked for a better shipping quote, expecting her to decline, but to my surprise, she went with a flat rate padded envelope, with the reel in a box also, and the box in the envelope, and relisted it for $14.95, and $6.00 shipping. My 300 C was only a total of $24.00 with shipping, but the Anti-Reverse dog was wore out (Bad) on it, and it was listed as perfect working condition. The seller worked with me, and refunded half of my money, and I was able to buy a NOS dog for $8.00 with ship[ping. For a ultra light set up for trout fishing, would you use a 300 reel, or would I be better off using the 304's I have right now. I had a 308 A, but that was stolen. I have tried the 304, but now, am leaning towards the 300's.

[@NortherIke]

Awesome video. Thank you!!!

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

@zarchy55 Thanks, I did the best I could but it's not easy trying to fit everything within a short film. The 302/402 series are next in line when I find time.

[@richardbarrett7544]

I've 3 old Michells, will service them now. Could you do a clip of how to service the Match that has the automatic bail arm please? Brilliant camera work by the way.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

@brennanjohnify That's why I do these service videos, they are still great fishing reels and will always be a favorite. They were made to last a lifetime with proper care and service. Have fun with your new find.

[@MrYoutub59]

Thanks for the video what do you use for cleaning the parts

[@jsfingerstyle]

Great Video ,thanks!

[@jacoprinsloo5646]

Got 4 by 301 and 2 by 307. Love these reels

[@captainslowfish4516]

Thank you for the video. Ik have recently purchased a 300 pro. Does the maintenance differ (with the roller bearing)?

[@rouryglen]

Excellent video cheers

[@Rburg00]

Great Video, Thanks for Sharing!

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Look at the bail release pin (pn 81396) and see if it's stuck. This pin is spring loaded and when working, it should stick through the hole in the bail wire mount next to the bail spring when you open the bail wire. This is a common problem some wd-40 can fix. Let me know...

[@zarchy55]

Wallace - your reel service videos are superb. I hope you will do one on the 302 as well.

[@dalmatino9336]

Dear Sir thank You on excellent and educational videos.I am fed up with this new" high quality"tackle so I returned to Mitchell 300.I own pre Garcia Mitchell 300, plus I bought Mitchell 300A(silent AR ,seller on ebay claims) without rotor and handle.I want to put rotor part and handle from my Mitchell 300 on my Mitchell 300 A.Does it really fit?Are they interchangable?

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

You are very welcome,,, have fun!

[@dawgphart6093]

Great video thanks

[@rheniformer]

Bought a gallon of WD40 with a refillable sprayer and worked over half of a plastic gallon jug as a washing bowl. It worked fantastically. I cleaned and lubed an old made in France unit as a gift for a friend and when it was done it was so shiny, smooth and minty new looking I hated to see it go! But if you don't give your best it doesn't count right? I used an old tooth brush to scrub and even the grungy bail wire came up like new. I'd never do more than 1 at a time. Thank you!

[@thisemale]

I am 46 and this is the real I learned to fish on. I still have the one my father got me as a young child plus I now have his small collection of them. I never messed with cleaning or anything throughout all these years and now this year I have had to. It got really stiff and the reverse lock was not working. I have about 10 of them now that I have picked up from garage sales. Mostly use them for parts. I have never used anything els other then this reel.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

@ttownthomas I use WD-40 for cleaning. Since this was a mechanical restoration on a rare & mint reel, I used original Mitchell grease knowing this reel will not be used. Any marine grade "quality" grease made for fishing reels will work and easy to buy anywhere fishing reels are sold.

[@mazman8343]

Great video dude what grease do i use.👍

[@comet7894]

I also have a Garcia Mitchell 3-0-0. It does not appear to me that the button to release the spool works. Do you know if this old model did have a button on the end of the shaft that you press to release? If it supposed to be a release button its movement on this reel is sluggish.

[@N2RI1]

is an olympic 520 reel some how related to the Mitchell 300? it has many parts that look exactly the same including the quick spool release button but its ambidextrous and made in Korea

[@Den1013]

Is there a video on how to fix the anti-reverse on the Mitchell 300?

[@tlbelknap]

What paint would you recommend to repaint a neglected 300? Thank you.

[@mrbreezeet1]

Wallace, what is your choice of grease for the mitchell reels? A fellow at the site said he mixes wheel bearing grease with 3 in 1 oil, and that is the best he has found. I will probably try this, but wonder if there is something good that is ready to use "out of the box" Hopefully not something too costly. What about "superlube"? I have read where some are using that.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

+anthony diodati SO SORRY ANTHONY, I JUST SAW THIS! Grease brand is not that important but the type is. Use any "marine grade" grease as Mitchell and Garcia recommended. Depending on use and normal maintenance throughout the year, it will be fine!

[@murchadha1]

Great video thanx .

[@THEGREENBANDIT88]

Is it ok to have contact and clicking noise from the bailwire trip release and the release lever after its release action on a 411?

[@LegendaryPhotos]

What do you use for the cleaner and what grease do you recommend?

[@rheniformer]

I have a bunch of old Mitchell 300's now and I would like to know what is a good solution to use for cleaning all the parts prior to lubrication. Some of these are over 40 years old and have probably not been apart. Some stink and have hardened grease.

[@christophercurtier7678]

What kind of cleaning fluid did you use it clean the parts that you put in the little container as you are taking them off

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

where is the video on the 402 saltwater. I just bought one at a garage sale today and I want to know if its any good.

[@mikewhite8976]

I completed the cleaning and reassembled all parts. The reel does great free spooling, until I try to spool line on and it takes about a dozen turns and the pivot gear will jam. Any idea what is wrong? It worked great before.

[@patrioteable]

hi,can you tell me what is that gold grease you are using,is it cal's drag and reel,?

[@heavywhere]

I have a lightly used pre Garcia 300 on the way to my home right now to pair with an early 1970’s Fenwick. Is there markings of any kind on the reel I can look for to confirm what year it’s was made or what size/model it is? If there were different versions.. I don’t know. I do know it was made in France.

[@brentwong6982]

My pop have me his old 303 saltwater gonna clean and restore it this weekend. What’s a good de greaser cleaner solution?

[@djiv1851]

What kind of cleaner and oil did you use?

[@xavierfarmer3612]

Ive got a garcia mitchell 300 and it needs a new pivot gear and transfer gear, where would be the best place to find those parts?

[@lindioncicerao1247]

What type of cleaning solution did you use?

[@sicken6623]

Can you change the reel to you can reel with your right hand with these? Just ordered one for myself

[@bobmariano3731]

Where can you get spare parts for these reels ? Thx awesome video & informative. 👍🎣⚾️

[@dannychua5434]

I followed ur video in cleaning mine n found out the pivot gear is missing. May I know where to buy one. It was a gift from an old friend

[@rheniformer]

I bought one in 1980 knowing nothing about it, but it felt good and I thoroughly enjoyed it until it got borrowed without permission and never came back. I've never had another reel feel so rite so I ordered one from ebay. Meanwhile my wife got one at a yard sale $2 but it was made in Taiwan. It has a chewed up gear. I'm considering getting new guts from ebay to save it. Could it be a good user unit like one from France? Also - the drag tightens up on it's own, can that be corrected?

[@sidneywhite749]

Just bought a very old rod and reel. The reel looks like a Mitchell but does not have a name anywhere. One side plate has horizontal raised bars on it. Any ideas?

[@ttownthomas]

What do you use for "cleaner" and for "grease"?

[@k0d0kan]

Hello, I know this is old but what type of grease and lube should I be using when servicing?

[@alister357]

how much is a mitchell 300 worth because i own 2 of them with 3 spuls 1 spull cover and a cloth case and we still use them

[@comet7894]

Thanks for the informative video. I just followed along with you and did the maintenance for my 300A, which is slightly different. Question, on the shims on the pinion gear, they are placed on the shaft first then the gear goes on right? I didn't pay close enough attention taking them off. Thanks

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Hi Richard, Yes the 300A had what they called M7 gears but as you see, they're pretty much the same as far as service. The shims go under the pinion gear between the cover plate and the pinion gear. Glad I could help. Regards, Wallace

[@comet7894]

Mitchell Reel Museum The reel is working great, very smooth. On the bottom of the spool it is dated 1977. I just bought this reel, so I am not sure if it has been cleaned before. I used Abu Garcia Reel Lube, which is readily available at Dicks Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shop. Do you think the brand of grease makes a difference?

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Richard Roe I use Abu Garcia Reel Lube but I really don't think it makes a difference as long as it's marine grade reel grease. When an old Mitchell has ball or roller bearings, then I would only use Abu Garcia. I've found that everyone has a different opinion on this subject :-)

[@TheMarkmartinfan]

i hope you do soon because my father-n-law has a 302 model and he is having a hard time getting it to work right after he serviced its something with the bail wont work right he has to hold it open to release the line idk thxs for reading

[@joaquimferreira7205]

My name is Joaquim I have a reel Vintage Mitchell 300 Pro Edition Aniversary, but i 've lost it's handle.Please, could you tell me where cand i found one? I've searched in many sites but i can't find it. Many thanks, Joaquim Ferreira O'Porto, Portugal

[@michaelnorman8115]

what is your cleaning solution?

[@TheMarkmartinfan]

ok 1st thxs for the quick reply ok he said he has done the wd-40 and yes it has a spring his question is how to remove that pin with spring so he can clean it real good thxs again jeep mudd in Charleston S.C. :)

[@ttownthomas]

and for "light oil"? I just unboxed a bunch of my late grandfather's fishing stuff. It has been in my dads basement for 20 years. There were two mitchell garcia's. a 300 and a 300C.

[@dockmaster4936]

I fish one of these from the 60's but recently noticed that the bail doesn't lock when I lift it from the bottom up towards me, works fine in all other positions. Before I take it apart thought you may have idea. Thanks

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

That's very common but just where it happens depends on the baffle plate's position. What's happening is, in that exact position, when you try to open the bail, it's hitting the baffle plate's trip pin. Let me know if I can help further...

[@TheMarkmartinfan]

ok thxs i let ya know thxs again for your reply

[@stanar.stanarstanar1426]

Hello friend, I want to congratulate you for your video about the fishing machine. I have had the same machine since 1968. I got it as a gift from my uncle, so now I want to ask you something, you must know more about the fishing machine. How many meters of thread does it collect on the reel, if it is of the following thicknesses of fishing line, for example: from 0.18 mm., 0.20 mm., and 0.23 mm. If you know, I will ask you for an answer, if not, then I will ask one of your fans for this question. You can also point me to a website, where I can read about this question of mine. GREETING

[@kiteman357]

So what;s the exact thickness and width of the screwdriver?

[@1947dsteele]

Nice video but I didn't see where you replaced the the anti-reverse dog.... it was sitting on the the tabletop until almost the very end and you were putting the cover plate back on.... then it suddenly disappeared from the tabletop... made me backtrack as I was following along step-by-step...

[@RW2709]

I got a Rapala XI Series Xtreme reel, and the handle be a bet stiff sometimes,i flips the bell back and moves the handle and you got two forces it sometimes what do you think the trouble could be you think the gears could be gum up.....

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

I don't know about your reel but it definitely sounds like it's gummed up. Without question it needs service! Good luck friend...

[@2005acmk]

I have a 301 opened up against my better judgment. It looks nothing like this one. It is packed full of black grease. Any ideas on it? Wish I could post a pic of it.

[@WallaceCarney]

It's okay, what you have is a LH right hand wind 301 that is a mirrored copy of what you see in this video, a RH left hand wind 300. Everything is the same part wise, just the opposite. Let me know how it works out for you, okay?

[@wolfdarlin]

Hi, I'm just coming across your videos and I'm looking for some help fixing my drag. I have a Mitchell 300 the drag no longer works and I can't figure out how to fix it. Do you have any ideas?

[@RC-nj1by]

Deej Wolfdarlin unscrew the drag set screw on the top of the spool and check of the tension spring is in there.

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

+R Campbell and +Deej Wolfdarlin, Deej is correct, your spool needs service.

[@SuperMoCaa]

my spool is missing! can anyone tell me where to buy spool~?

[@comet7894]

Hi, what did you soak the gears in? What it a solvent? Thanks

[@Mitchellreelmuseum]

Hi Richard, Best and safest is either WD40 or GooGone. Have fun!

[@livenhfree]

So... I gotta believe there are good alternatives to the "Mitchell" grease these days?

[@crazycrab6197]

done this a few times, forgot about the very small washers, :( , take pics, of were they go, not like me,