Mitchell Reel Forum

For years now I have been backing off all the drag tension, on my reels. It all started with losing 2 spools on 204 reels. also due to tension. Anyone else do this, or does everyone? I think I saw on the old forum, that a 330 should be stored bail open. I have one 330 and store it this way, is that correct?

I do the same as you, I back the drag off of all my reels.

Don,

You are correct. The autobails should be stored in the open position.

Great infö but why. While it seems trifle to me, a newly, it must be inportant...

The Drag is backed off to remove tension from the spring. This is a sort of a rule for all fishing reels. Some reels had leather drag washers which would become compressed over time and under spring pressure. Teflon washers and fiber washer may get the same effect. This will cause the drag to be uneven as it allows line to be fed out under the pressure of a fighting fish.

Glen in Nova Scotia

While it is true to back off drag on all reels. But on the 204, there is a fabric (I'll call it felt, don't really know). With drag left on the fabric separates the top of the spool from the bottom. Water can also do this if not dried right away.

Is that the only model of Mitchell with the fabric/felt built into the spool I wonder? I've not seen it on any of mine, but I need to look now to see, as maybe I wasn't all that observant lol!!