Hello. I'll start by saying I'm looking for what I'm sure everyone else is looking for. A First Version Half Bail. Duh! We all are. I'm in the market to purchase one. If anyone has any leads as to where one of these unicorns might be, please let me know. Thank you!!

Sorry it’s been a year! Most of my Mitchell’s are not factory new condition but most are mechanically top notch condition and look clean and well maintained,because they are ,they are nearly all bought from yard sales and returned to good working condition ,by me,as users ,they earn their keep! I p...

Thanks for the response!

When did the first full bail 300 happen? I have a full bail 300 with serial number B40054. However, I've seen HALF bail 300's online with B prefix serial numbers much higher than that. Can anyone explain this so an 8 year old can understand? Thanks!

Scott

Yeah, the whole time I was applying pressure to it, I was picturing it snapping. Those parts aren't just sitting around. So far so good!

Second version on the left. Bent differently but definitely looks longer. I bent it slightly by hand and the problem disappeared.

I have a second version half bail. The bail wire is longer than the bail on the third version half bail. The problem I'm having is when the second version half bail is mounted on a rod, the bail will not close because it is hitting on the rod handle and wedging before it can close. Anyone else exper...

Ted Lanham wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 1:28 pm Prat2112,
The early 4th version "Pilot Reels" came with metal knobs. There were also some 3rd versions that were modified with kits that made them full bail by the owners that would have the metal handles.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

Thank you!

Thank you!

Anyone know when Mitchell went from aluminum knobs to the black plastic knobs? Would early full bail models come with aluminum knobs?

Scott

Makes sense now. I wasn't attempting a cast with the anti reverse OFF. I now see you need to open bail and back off a bit in order to do so. Thanks to all who responded!

Scott

I thoroughly cleaned and lubed after stripping down. There was the usual dirt, debris and garden variety decades old grime. The gears cleaned up well. The level wind gears seemed to match the serial number. I replaced/added a few shims here and there and this beauty purrs like a kitten. It's in my r...

GreatLaker wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 1:28 am Pratt2112,
If and when you decided to take the first one apart can we have a peek?
Kind Regards,
Bill

Certainly!

Same sequence as previous picture.

The first one on the left I'd bet on it. The rotating head and the bail wire have some unique differences from the other two. The C prefixed one is a very low number. I haven't seen any others with a C prefix with a serial number in that same ballpark. Doesn't mean they don't exist. I keep looking!

My three oldest 300's. From left to right:

Serial# B48054
Serial# B99733
Serial# C05700

Hello Rocky, I’m so happy we were able to figure it out. Out of all the years Mitchell Reels were made, the 1955 is my favorite year of all. Sincerely, Wallace Wallce, I own two 55's and they are some of the smoothest in my collection. Not sure why that particular year was "different" tha...

Hi, Looking for video links or group discussion regarding how to properly use a Mitchell half bail. I have two dozen Mitchell 300's and recently added a half bail. I must admit, I don't quite get it. Sorry if this seems trivial. Thanks and I look forward to the responses.

Scott