How many Mitchell reels do you own.

[Fishabout]

Hi just wondering how many Mitchell reels do you guys and girls have in your collections.
I once had 250 plus and some said that was excessive but I didn't think so.

[Ted Lanham]

Fishabout,
Since I concentrated on just 300s, I never had more than 40-50 Mitchells. That included duplicates that I traded or sold to fishermen. Today, with downsizing, around 15-20. I'm getting up there in age, so not wanting to make it difficult for family if I was to become fishing bait.

Ted Lanham

[don309]

I agree Ted! My (fishing buddy) daughter, is saying "what am I going to do with all this fishing gear". I tell her do what I do, find a young angler into fishing, and give them a rig. Or sell it on ebay.

[cshannon772]

Hi Tracey,
I have a few.

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At last count (it's been a while), a little over 400. I have at least one example of every model of the engraved reels Mitchell made, most all of the versions and most of the variations (ARCA, Balzer, Blackfish, KILT, Albatros etc.) of all the versions of all the models - LHW and RHW. Needless to say, my "Wish List" is fairly short but almost impossible to fill. In my "Round Body" Mitchell collection I've identified five examples that I'm missing (of all of them that CAP/Mitchell made) and I know of them only because of generous Mates who shared with me their Ultra-Rare "Round Bodies" finds and details. Of those 400 Mitchell reels there are less than 20 duplicates - most of them are different model/version/variation reels.

If any Mates are looking for details on a particular Mitchell reel, please let me know and I would be happy to provide photos, details and answer your questions if I have it.

Kind Regards,
Chris

[Fishabout]

Magnificent old mate Thanks very much for sharing. Cheers Tracey.

[don309]

What took you so long Chris

[Bonaventure]

Hi everyone,

I have 6 Mitchell 300's. One of the needs a bail spring, which I am going to pick up in the fall. I may get another junker reel with a useable spring from somebody at work or go to the guy in Ontario who seems to have a lot of parts. The problem with this option is that I have to pay $15CDN for shipping a $3 part, so I will probably get a reel at the same time, a 308, 304, 314 etc.

I have repainted all of these 300's. I believe that my primer and topcoat is more durable and corrosion resistant than the original factory finish of that time. This however negates any collector value. I use three of these for boat fishing in fresh water, though due to my wife's recent illness, not this season. The other 3 are stored in gallon paint cans with desiccant and padding for future contingencies.

I also own a 304 and a 308. These have been lightly used,and being a bit less prevalent than the 300 model, are in original condition.

I use a different brand for salt water fishing. Would love to find a 302 or a 306, they are not easy to find for sale in this area.



Best wishes

G. Glen Simpson

[Johnny]

I'm a rank beginner... so not that many:
5x300s
1x304 "CAP"
1x320 (mint in box)
I don't think I'll ever have a Mitchell museum in my house, though.
-Johnny.

[toulady6]

hello Mates,

I have a few ultra light 308 358 408 508 in all variations
a few Cap and a few Mitchell 300 350 410 reels

2 reels still on my wishlist ..

Chris,

your display room is very nice !

best regards Dries

[piscesman]

Very impressive Chris. Really like the RED box combo. Retiring in 1.5 years or semi and hope to organize mine like that. Right now in several areas. I don't have a dedicated REEL ROOM, not enough in my house. Collection includes Conolon poles and Garcia items along with 100+ reels in boxes and without and literature. I don't see a spool winder in your pictures. Do you have one?? I know they are rare and tough to come by now. Would make a good door stop.
Kim

[cshannon772]

Hello Mates,
Thank you Tracey, Don, Dries and Kim for the kind compliments. My Reel Room has been a labor of love.

Johnny, Ten years ago I had a Garcia Mitchell 304 and a Garcia Mitchell 300 - Both gifts from my dad in the 1970s. I originally decided to start collecting around 2012 and built the center display rack in the last photo. It would hold about 18 reels and at the time I thought it was more than sufficient. I built all of those display racks myself and I've been very fortunate, unfortunately have run out of room for several models...It just turned into a passion and I love the challenge of researching and collecting. Not to mention all the great friends I've made in the process!

Kim, the Garcia spool winder is in the far corner on top of the cabinet in the last photo. It's complete (no paperwork) and works perfectly. Like you said, would work even better as a door stop .

Kind Regards,
Chris

[Fishabout]

So in another 9 years you are going to need a bigger house.

[Ted Lanham]

Chris,
I just love how you have that room arranged.

Ted Lanham

[Simplex]

Hello,

Attached are two photos of the room dedicated to Mitchell.
All my reels are not on these two photos, not enough distance to take the walls in their entirety. All my reels are on display, none are in a cupboard or drawer, only spare parts, are stored in these

On the back wall (the one with the Mitchell trout) on the right panel, the 14 reels are personal reels, reels from my dad, my brother and mine. There is a 406 special with I fished a pike of 1.10 meters and 20 pounds on June 30, 1968 (it's far, at the time I was still young and beautiful !!!!)

As for the number of Mitchell's that I have, I dare not say the exact number for fear of passing for a boastful, but it is several hundred.

I also collect old French reels, old lures and small objects, and finally everything related to the old French fishery production. I have more French reels than Mitchell's. For these reels as for Mitchell I have low-end and rare ones, for me all are part of French heritage and know-how.

Now you know a little more about me as a collector.
Best regrdas,
CL

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[Ted Lanham]

Simplex,
Excellent!

[Simplex]

Hello Ted,
Thanks
CL

[don309]

Yes very impressive!

[Fishabout]

Magnificent Simplex

[piscesman]

Simplex, 2nd picture down center vertical row of reels with the plastic case. What model reels and year made?? Very Very nice.
Kim

[piscesman]

I see it now Chris, the reflections were in my eye..........
Kim

[Simplex]

Thanks for all the feedback

Hello kim

The boxes you are asking me for are all Browning-type boxes, boxes that were used after Garcia's disappearance.
They are all between 1979 and 1983.
In the display they are in two thicknesses so some not visible
The reels which are in these boxes are: 204 S - 206 S - 208S - 316 - 906 - 282 - 496 PUM - 498 all between the letter "K" and "N" therefore between 1980 - 1983
As for the type 300 reels, it allows to see the transition between Garcia and Browning whose boxes have evolved over the years then with the green cardboard boxes.
300A above: # J352615 (the 5 should be a 2 for December) so 12/1979
The last 300A garcia that I own has as # J114404 (04/1979)
300A at the bottom with “A” small # N088503 (03/1983). The first one I have in a green cardboard box has for # N300310 (10/1983)
I also have two 440A with different boxes one from 02/1980 and the other from 06/1981
Also a 309A from 09/1979
The 300A series deserves a special study including the Garcia
Best regards
CL

[Schrack]

I thought 30 was alot !!!!!!!!