Mitchell 308a how to take apart and service the last version of the classic reel

[@edhoran1709]

Your approach to repairing bails has helped me salvage a couple of spinning reels, one of which was a Mitchell. The other was a Shakespeare ultra-light. I've fished with both them after watching you reform a bail wire on a reel in a earlier video. I fiddled with both reels with no luck until I watched you do it. Thanks for posting and sharing your knowledge with us.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching. Please stay tuned for more to come - Dennis

[@zlovnmyanglz]

*My first Mitchell **allabout.wiki/i82n** I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this reel, I normally use Okumas, this reel has become my “go to” reel. I can’t justify replacing all of my Okumas for Mitchells without a reason, but as the Okumas wear out they will be getting replaced with these. I would recommend these without hesitation.*

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I have an older 308 that has been my go to reel for over 30 years. It is on a 5 foot no name light rod with 8 LB line. It just keeps catching fish and annoying others with the click, click, click A/R ratchet. Best wishes - Dennis. PS - I will be posting a how to on a 308 this week, Stay tuned -

[@chesterspradlin6743]

Thanks for another informative video. I had the same problem with a Garcia Mitchell 304 yesterday, an out of round bail wire. A little bending by trial and error got it back in shape. I have the older 308 and 408 with the planetary gears. Gotta watch those set screws!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Those Set screws and those ball bearings!!!!!!! Thanks Chester

[@ltd-edition-koa]

Hello,Dennis..I don't own a 308a,though I have a Mitchell 400 which I've dated to 1961 by serial number.I know these reels are workhorses,but I am not real familiar with the drag system's performance.I thought it may make a good northern pike reel with its high speed and robust build and was wondering if you might have an opinion on using a new old stock model of this reel for such? I fish the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers in upstate NY quite a bit casting Rapalas,spoons,jigs and jerkbaits.An outspoken friend of mine referred to the reel as over engineered,heavy and hard cranking.I've fished with the 300s decades ago and always thought they were excellent.I understand that this reel is not going to be as smooth as my Pflueger President,but it also doesn't have ten bearings.Again,thanks for your time. Mark

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That 400 is indeed a workhorse that has been over-engineered and is heavy. So what? It is a good reel that should do fine so give it a try. You can always use the President if you don't like how it performs, but the 400 should do well there - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@ltd-edition-koa]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks,again

[@dennissmith1649]

Do you show how to remove the pinion gear on a 308a?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I did not. If you watch this video around the 11 minute mark, it will show the set screw that holds the rotor and pinion gear in place. If you remove that set screw, you can should be able to remove both he rotor and pinion gear. If you would like to separate them, remove the rotor first by turning it in a counter clockwise direction while holding the reel handle and body so that the gears do not turn. Once the rotor is removed, remove the set screw to unlock the pinion gear and then pull up on that gear to remove it from the case - Dennis

[@markkegg1675]

Where can I get parts for my 308A or other Mitchell reels?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

They are not generally available from distributors but there are plenty to be found on eBay - What part do you need?

[@kornrocksrj]

How did you fix the bail arm spring?????

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Most Mitchell reels follow a similar bail set. It is tough for me to describe and I don't have that particular reel. I will see if I can find a 308 and add the request to my list of items to do. It may take a few days. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@sidneywhite749]

Notice you don’t use much grease inside, true?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

No - I do not overpack fishing reels with grease. Excess grease tends to spin off the moving parts, settle in the case and collect dirt and debris which can harm the reel. - Dennis

[@buddyg1408]

Try some grease on screw driver blade and then put setscrew on tip and dive in

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you - I've been doing that for a while now. I'll make sure to pass along to others - Dennis