Mitchell 300a fishing reel, How to take apart and service the reel

[@Ducky2o]

I want to thank you for making this guide. I spent 5 hours yesterday fixing up a 300a and it would not have been possible without this video. I tried it out today in the surf and caught some nice perch. It’s hard to believe how old it is and how good it runs. 👍🐟

[@2ndChanceTackle]

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

[@whiterich7]

Thank you! Growing up as a kid my Dad always claimed Mitchell 300s were the best. I learned how to fish with one. After many years of not fishing, I recently got back into and picked several more Mitchell 300s along with my Dads. But they all just needed a cleaning and tune up and your video taught me how to do it!!!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That is awesome! Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@tango-bravo]

These old 60-70 year old Mitchell reels are some of the best ever made. They can still be had at reasonable prices on eBay or at yard sales and flea markets. Parts aren’t too hard to find as you’ve said. I personally fish with a 304 and a 300 frequently. Other than the fact that the 300 is a little noisy when anti-reverse is engaged, these are great reels and they’ve stood the test of time. A pleasure to work on and fish with. They are the “RayBan Wayfarers” of spinning reels as far as I’m concerned.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Well said. Good design endures and outlasts fad reels

[@paulejrlawson3278]

Dennis, my apologies,my thanks for your helping, and Merry Christmas to y’all. Now, to the meat of the matter. You had sent me a schematic drawing for assembly of spool assembly, and now that my hand & arm are healing, ready to take care of this Puzzle. 309s not featured on this site. A bunch of my fishing reels were inherited,from my Brother . I was/am the surfer,Gary was the fisherman. Now I’m trying to save some of his old reels. Thanks again, Paul

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 309 is the right hand crank of the the left hand crank 308. You can watch my 308 video to see how the service is done. I have several, but start with this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKW6nXx3eZtgoqM. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@johnwdavisjr]

Thank you for the video. I will be cleaning and lubing my grandfather's reel.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to help - Best wishes on the cleaning and for super fishing with the reel - Dennis

[@ianwest9784]

Fantastic video Gave me the confidence to have a go at a reel that wasn't functional Thanks to you I now have a fully functioning reel

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad it helped. That's why I'm doing these - to encourage folks to DIY and get their reels fishing again. Best wishes - Dennis

[@paularmfield4700]

Well done... really helpful. And thanks for reminding about the back plate as I found a large knot of thick old maxima line that was trapped on the main shaft and causing the sluggishness. Well done and many thanks. Purrs like a kitten now and good for another 50 years!!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to have helped. Best wishes for great fishing with the "new" reel - Dennis

[@dantejaiudijr-gk9st]

Dennis, Another terrific video. Your videos have been helpful in servicing my Mitchell 300 series. Thank you! 👍🏻

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW - thanks for the note and for watching -Dennis

[@stevenodell4323]

I love working on the old Mitchell reels. I've rehabbed at least a dozen and it's just amazing how much grease I've found inside every single one of them. Got to wonder what people were thinking they put all that stuff inside a fishing reel.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes you do! I find the same greases in mine as well - Dennis

[@lesliehendry9670]

Thank you so much for your wisdom, I just bought two Mitchell 300A 's so have a full compliment now and plan on servicing and selling my 324 and 208 reels, I look forward to the 206 video :) the resin buffer on my 208 reels are behind the main bail arm and stop the bail arm from over running and keep it straight, I have had Mitchell replace them in the past as they do wear fast for some reason and am thinking of making a substitute, once again many thanks for all your wisdom and take good care :)

[@RickMahoney2013]

Dennis glad to see you do this one

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks

[@paulsegnatelli55]

Another great video! I'm slowly working thru a box of old reels.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Good luck! I'm sure you can do it! Best wishes - Dennis

[@hughshiffer5551]

Wonderful information! Thanks! I've just "done" mine and it's purring!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great to hear! These are well designed and built to last. Time to take it fishing again! Best wishes - Dennis

[@grahamsmith21]

great vid. very thorough,can service my 2x mitchell 810's with confidence now !

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for the encouraging words and for watching - Please stay tuned for more to come - Best wishes on your servicing those Mitchell reels - Dennis

[@zachariahadams]

I got a 300a for highschool graduation in 99. Grampa is gon but the reel still sees action.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great - thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@chesterspradlin6743]

Great tutorial, Dennis, impossible to have too many videos on 300 repair. I have maybe a dozen old Mitchell 300, and a couple later models made in Taiwan. They're the very first reel I learned to fully disassemble, service, and reassemble. No doubt they're the most popular reel in history. Only complaint l have is the handle is too short on some of the older models. Also have the 308, 408, a couple of 306, a 302, and bought a 304 on ebay last night that should arrive early next week.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Stay tuned Chester. I will be posting the last of the 308A Mitchell videos shortly. This one was made in 1984 and the mechanics changed from the planatery gears to the straight oscillating block design. It was only around for one year before the company was sold again and the line discontinued - Dennis

[@airmobiledivision7759]

I realize that this was years ago at this point, but, do you notice any fall in quality or performance with the Taiwanese reels? Just curious.

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I have a beautiful 300A and I love it. Have done this service several times. The spool on mine is actually white and the striping on the cup is beautiful. You have taught me a lot about reels especially my Penn 700s and 704s. Thank you again for your video series. Do you have a video of a DAM Quick 270 Super with a speed dial? I really could use one!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There were several versions of this reel after the Grcia Mitchell was bought out by Browning after bankruptcy in the late 1970's. These were the last reels to keep the traditional design. Still nice reels and hard workers to this day. - Dennis

[@terrycousins3015]

Great video,I’ll service my 440a match after watching this👍

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad I could help. Best wishes on the service. They are nice reels that deserve to be out fishing and not shelf sitting. Stay well and stay fishing! - Dennis

[@Chris-lk8vb]

Thanks Dennis,helped me out.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to hear it! Thanks

[@JamesBrown-rm2rd]

don't know if you have shown and shakespeare, 2052, or 2062 but would like to see you clean up one.

[@flipper2473]

Hello, I have a Mitchell 308 A , I like it except the drag tension changes throughout the day, (usually tightens). Any suggestions where I could start to look for the problem? Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Check the drag washer - it may be worn and either heat, or moisture or something else may be affecting it's performance

[@flipper2473]

@@2ndChanceTackle there was a large metal slotted washer under the drag dial tensioner that I flipped over, and I believe that fixed it . Thanks

[@brucegordon4924]

Thank You for Sharing, Great Video!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome - thanks for the feedback - best wishes - Dennis

[@deewah1698]

Hi Dennis, Would you mind telling me what oils and greases I should have on hand? You mention "blue grease" but I don't know what that is.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You should have a fishing reel grease and a fishing reel oil. I use Penn Precision reel grease (blue grease) And either ReelX or Penn Precision reel oil. These greases and oils are available online or at local sporting goods retailers - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@paularmfield4700]

Hi Dennis. Trying to take Mitchell match side plate off and the three main flathead screws have lost their thread. How would you get them out? Thanks Paul

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I think you are literally stuck with that problem. When all else fails, a machinist could drill them out and re-tap the threads. I am not a machinist and generally call the reel unserviceable at that point. If the reel works keep using it. If it's failed, it is probably the end - Dennis

[@craigt6007]

Hello- What cleaner/degreaser would you use if cleaning everything by hand? Would it also remove the paint if not careful? Thanks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I use Pen rod and reel cleaner for most. If more is needed, I use Flitz metal pre cleaner and polish and or turtle wax chrome polish for brightwork - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@Deathscrush_1]

Hello, I recently purchased a 300 pro. I assume it'll be the same mechanism as the 300A? The bail on mine won't stay put when casting. But I'll try to do this maintenance and see it i can fix it. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the reels are similar and you should be able to use this video for your service. If the bail is not staying open, the trip lever is likely not engaging with the bail arm. Make sure it swings free and easy. You probably have a lot of dirt clogging the path of that lever. Best wishes - Dennis

[@frankrobinson794]

Dennis, I have a Mitchell 300A, the cranking arm tighten clockwise,to cast out line you release bail. On the back end of reel is a toggle arm, you have to release it in the down position to crank in line. In the up position you can only turn handle counter clockwise, why is this so ?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmmm - it sounds like the A/R dog is installed improperly. That toggle arm controls the A/R dog so that seems to be the issue with your reel.

[@KRAZYKEV64]

any chance of a video showing how to ''shim'' a 300 or similar reel to reduce gear noise

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There aren't any shims on the 300 gears other than behind the one that turns the rotor, and that is just a small washer. If you have noise, it is likely that the gears are worn from use over time - Dennis

[@timfisher1376]

I was gonna ask you what do you know about a mitchell garcia 906 spinning reel??? I would appreciate any help or input on this reel! Ty sir

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 906 is a later edition of the Mitchell Reel made around 1979. It uses a tried and true planetary bering system similar to the older 308 reels. As long as they are kept clean and oiled, they should last as well as any Mitchell Reel

[@roytaylor414]

Hi how can I reduce the slack movement on the axle shaft on my old Mitchell 300 reels

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That probably requires a new axle shaft, slide or oscillation gear. These are hard wired parts and if you have excessive movement, it would be due to wear and that cannot be adjusted. Worn parts would need to be replaced - Dennis

[@roytaylor414]

@@2ndChanceTackle ok thank you

[@stovepipehahaha272]

Any reason those can't be submersed in a light solvent before disassembly to break down the grease ?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You could do that if you like. No reason. I don't like working with solvents in closed spaces - Dennis

[@martyroberts69]

Where could you buy the side case screws, Thank you

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Check eBay. There are no new parts distributors, so you will need to find these on the used market

[@Richard.357]

Hi. Loving your videos, very informative. A question if I may. Is there a huge difference between the garcia Mitchell 300 and the Mitchell 300 from Asia. Is the Asia model the same as the 300a in this video. Thanks to you , I was able to disassemble my garcia Mitchell 330 and clean and re grease. Knowledge is awesome. And I thank you for sharing.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There are some engineering changes between the reels made in France and those made in Taiwan, but fundamentally they still share the basic design and perform the same

[@johnpodolsky7096]

Great video I just picked up a Mitchell 300 Question is, can I use it for salt water fishing? TIA

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes you can, but it will be limited by the slow retrieve and line capacity. The Mitchell reels designed for saltwater fishing include the 302/402 and 306/406 and others, which are bigger and have more line capacity - Dennis

[@outdoorsman9380]

Hey dinnis im assuming i can follow along with a Mitchell 400 ? Not sure how didfrent the 300 and the 400 are cant seem to find a video anywere on a mitchell 400 i need to clean and service one here soon as always thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

They are nearly the same. DO NOT Remove the PINION Shgear with the bearings. This is the part that goes through the body and connects the rotor to the reel. This assembly is loose and the bearings will fly everywhere and are near impossible to get back into the assembly, so just leave that part along.

[@outdoorsman9380]

@@2ndChanceTackle ok thanks! In short words its the same deal as the 402 vs. The 302 Mitchell 402 haveing barrings i would suggest getting up a viedo of a 400 Mitchell sence there is not one from what i can find would be nice to have a reference video to go back on for those whom may have been passed down a mitchell 400 of there grand fathers ect. As always stay safe out there! And thanks for what you do

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I will add that to my request list. Thanks for the suggestion James - Dennis

[@KRAZYKEV64]

what solution do you use in your ultrasonic cleaner

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I mostly use dish detergent. There are commercial cleaners available, but be careful as some are not recommended for metal and some will dull painted surfaces

[@davemills3734]

My 330 has a slit of about 1/4 “ at top of line spool. Would that be for gauging amount of line to have on it?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmm. It may be to lock the line when it is not in use. Does the line fit in the slit? Some spools have that on the bottom and yours may be on top. - Dennis

[@timfisher1376]

How have u been sir still making these awesome videos I see!👍👍

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Been Well Still trying on the vids - Thanks - Dennis

[@cheezndope7490]

I took off the nut of the bell side and a spring came off and now I can’t get it to close how do I put that spring correctly in so it can close

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I m not sure which reel, but if it is the 300A, then I did a video on how to reset this spring. You can watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH7ZaZyAmtSYoZI. Dennis

[@FACB25]

Hello , have an Olympik fishing reel that need a spool and nut . where can I find one

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Which Olympic reel is it? I have a few older spools for them, but you should search Ebay and other sites that sell used fishing reels and parts - Dennis

[@FACB25]

@@2ndChanceTackle sorry , I was having trouble locating the reel , it's a 8500 Olympic . I went on eBay to fine a spool but was unable to locate one . can you help your my only hope

[@philkeith4817]

Great video! I purchased a Mitchell 300 that is in good condition this month. It says made in France with serial number 225520. Works great as I caught 15 bass last Monday on it. How do I find the date of manufacture?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I think you need to search the internet. There was a site. I was using for a while, but it closed. Shame. Dennis

[@zeronaught7932]

Are there any acceptable substitutes for actual reel grease in your opinion?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I would only use oil as an alternative and the problem with that is that it will evaporate faster and would need to be redone sooner. I have seen folks use vaseline, which is a petroleum jelly. Same thing, it will break down sooner. Reel grease is cheap. About $6 on Amazon and Ebay. There should be no need to substitute for it. - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Great video! Wondering if the mechanism for a Mitchell 401 is pretty much the same. I have one that I am fixing up for my left-handed grandson. Someone had packed the reel with grease so I have my work cut out for me on this one. The mechanism appears largely the same as on this 300A. Am I correct? - Christopher

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - they are similar. The core difference is that the 401 is left hand crank, so the images are reverse. Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

2nd Chance Tackle Thanks Dennis. Remember my crack about packing reels with grease? Well, it’s come back to bite me. My Mitchell 401 was packed with old grease. Worst I’ve ever seen. Took an hour and a half to clean out. Thanks for the video help!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sounds like you found an old timer's trick on an old time reel. The cleaning kind of goes with the territory. The number one problem I get with the old Mitchell reels are generally sluggish performance. There are so many moving parts internally that the dried grease slows down everything. Best wishes Christopher - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

2nd Chance Tackle very true. I still marvel at the general quality of these old gears. The other problem I have with them is how loud they tend to be - particularly those bail trip baffle plates. The sometimes sort. Of sing and it drives me crazy. Thanks for the reply. Just started restoring a Mitchell 488 saltwater reel this afternoon. They don’t have near the moving parts that an old 300 or a 401.

[@davidmccoy9616]

I'm trying to find videos on a Garcia Mitchell 302N if you could help me I would appreciate it very much

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I will see if I have one in the shop and do that video for you if I can locate a reel - Thanks for asking Dennis

[@abujalalkhatib1065]

Dennis... you are pro real repairer. I have this real and other Mitchell reels that I take care of. You tought me free things. I need two oscillation gear sliders for XR.6 Quantum.. Can I buy them from you.. Thank you. Sami

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I don't stock parts and unfortunately, I do not have the pieces you need for your quantum reels - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@rickdiz5517]

Your vids are excellent, only my 308a, was sluggish even after servicing. Before full assembly all parts were smooth. Any thoughts? Maybe shim main gear?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

My first thought is a bent axle shaft. Try removing it and assembling the rest and see if it speeds up. Aslo, check under the rotor when the gear goes into the case. That cavity can fill with dried grease and slow things down Dennis

[@rickdiz5517]

@@2ndChanceTackle i have, the shaft is true, and fully cleaned all parts and lubed less and more a few times. Did notice on handle/ gear side a possibly worn spot from raised on gear. There are no shims there. Thank you Denise!

[@rickdiz5517]

Also i have a spot where gear rests on side plate that looks like it may be worn. Doesn't look normal, and is @ .20 -.35 mm. No shims present on drive gear. Thanks

[@Cowboysniper]

Do you have the Spring when you open the bell it locks the bell back I’ll pay you what you want for it if you do. My uncle gave me the real when I was 14 and I’m now 59 please help

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Can you send a picture of the part you need to my email which is [e-mail]. I have lots of Mitchell 300 parts, but I will need to match it to the one you need. Thank you Dennis

[@lesliehendry9670]

Hi it is me again and still tuned in, I commented on your service of the 324 and subscribed, I have since bought a Mitchell 440A Match and wondered if it is the same set up as the 300 bar the bail action? also what is the difference between the 300, 300A and 300C ? reason being I might purchase a pair of 300's and sell my 208 reels as the resin buffers are a problem!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hi Leslie - I am going to post a video this week of a 206, which is similar to your 208. I think by the resin buffers, you mean the small part on the screw on the back of the bail arm. I have a bush fix for you if that is keeping your reel from fishing. Find a long narrow spring like those in retractable ball point pens or on some larger spinning reelbail releases. Clip a small section of the spring and work it over the screw where the resin was. When you turn the screw in, the spring will compress and work like the original washer. I did that on the video I will post, but I did not call it out when doing the video. I used a bail lever spring from an older Shakespeare alpha reel with a graphite case. on the variances between the 300 iterations. The 300A and C are late 1970s and early 80s. There are case and anti-reverse levers design differences between the 300 and 300A as well as a different bail, but overall, they have the same planetary gearing and style did not change that much

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 440A match has a similar bail set up

[@Stupot2]

Off to do my three thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great - Best wishes on the service - Dennis

[@familieaben]

Thx i like this

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You're welcome. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@joycedimaggio8345]

Would you pay $60 for one not use vintage model?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That is a fair price for unused. Would I pay that? Hmmm. I don't collect many reels and I have one in excellent condition, in the original box, so I would pass.