Hating on Mitchell 300s - The Shop Series

History and stories behind one of the most iconic fishing reels of the 20th century, the Mitchell 300 including some thoughts about their value and why I hated ‘em! Did you have one? Are you still using it today?
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Thanks for tuning in and LET'S GO FISHING!

[@dannygannon6804]

Im 76 sittin back havin a drink and enjoying memories i still have many old reals i still use i would like to see u do one on my favorite the green face Johnstons thanks

[@SethDunbar123]

Thanks fir the trip down memory lane Shawn - Dad got me one in mid-60s that I have on the bench to replace the spool and drag but it will be catching a rockfish real soon!

[@brandywineangler6748]

I grew up fishing with a 309 and between my dad and brothers we had a fleet of 308s to accompany my 309. They were our light tackle workhorses and we caught a ton of fish with them. In my adult years I happened across a 300 someone left behind in a house I bought, which I cleaned up a fished with a bit just for kicks. Worked fine and brought back some memories, even if it was not quite the same as the 308s and 309 of my youth.

[@ShawnKimbro]

I like those 308s too. Sleeker and more streamlined. Really good for finesse techniques. I guess the 309 is the left hand retrieve? I think there was a fast-retrieve 408 also.

[@brandywineangler6748]

Yes my 309 (left hand as you note) was the slate blue with the red high speed sticker on the pivot of the handle. The 308s were the black, standard speed models

[@uncclifford1877]

I reminder the 300 Mitchell. I never owned one. Mostly because of the counter clockwise motion, and the fact it caused $16. So I fished the 304. Which cost half the price. When the Mitchell 308, came out I was in love. Matched it with a Ted Williams 6" UL rod from Sears (Made by St. Croix). It was my constant companion. I even took it to Alaska when I was in the USCG, stationed at Ocean Cape Loran, and fish the rivers for salmon. It was back then that l began to close my bail by hand. I never cared for the internal trip. Still a light tackle junkie and if you ever catch me on Liberty my boat is full of light tackle and BFS stuff.

[@ri-jm5tn]

Most of my free capital went towards fly fishing gear back then, and a 300 was out of range for me. I do remember wearing out the bronze bushings on the more affordable Diawa reels of the day. I also remember routinely having to dig out the line that would get under the spool and wrap the spindle on those reels.

[@johncarbutt4311]

I remember my fishing partner cussing down river from me after having his Mitchell reel spooled backwards😂 we were in High School. Long time ago. I actually like the clicking sound it makes. Used that old reel last year and caught a 17” Smallmouth with it.

[@melvinmoorman4512]

Love your content brother! Heck yeah!!

[@ShawnKimbro]

Thanks, man. Appreciate the views.

[@montedodge341]

I learned something today !!! 😁👍😉 btw , Bought a 1969 Mitchell 300 today with pole for 20.00 . It cleaned up nice and added grease and oil , It purrs 🙂👍

[@WhitePerch]

Back in the day. I never had enough money to spend the $20.00 on that reel. I always envy fishermen that seemed to show off there Mitchell 300

[@ShawnKimbro]

Agree - in today's money they would be 200+. Never a cheap reel.

[@sammyvh11]

To heavy and loud. Great video