Mitchell Reel Forum

First post to the forum.

I'm the original owner of a 309S ultralight which has landed hundreds of smallmouth bass from midwestern streams over four decades of service. Didn't realize how rare my reel is until I discovered this site. Original bail spring still in use!

I'd like to acquire a medium light size skirted spool Mitchell for kayak fishing on small lakes. I'm a lefty, cranking with the right hand. And according to this wonderful site, my options are a 301S, 901, 3330, 3350Z, 3360, 4430, and 4450.

I'm not familiar with the 3000 and 4000 series reels. Are the 3000/4000 series reels as reliable and durable as the 300/400/900 series reels?

cakoeh,
Welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum forum.

I believe you are the only person who has posted on the forum in recent memory who uses a Mitchell 309S. We do have many 308 model users here, although I'm not sure about the 308S (skirted) model.
As far as comparing the 309S vs other reels I will leave that up to ultra-light guys. I am not familiar with the 3000/4000 series as my main interest is with the Mitchell 300/301 models, especially the more recent 300A reels.
We would love to see a few photo's of your 309S reel if you get a chance to post some.
Kind Regards,
Bill

Hi Bill,

The 309S happens to be sitting on the workbench for a winter cleaning. Note the handle grip texture has been worn smooth from 40 years of cranking.

I pulled out the box and paperwork. It appears Mitchell produced just one box for the 1980s skirted spool series. They placed a sticker indicating the specific model on two sides of the box. My box was originally stickered as a 308S. Then a 309 "over-sticker" was applied, interestingly not 309S. As seen in the photo, the 309 sticker has fallen off one side but is intact on the other side.

The serial number is S1 3.

Cliff

cakoeh,
Thanks for the post and pictures. You got my curiosity going so I visited my stash in the cellar. Located a boxed 309s with paperwork. Pamphlet has 6 different languages printed on it for instructions and such. It also came with the authorized repair shops/dealers in the US. Apparently, both paperwork originally came with a 301s as it has the reel number written in the space provided. Purchased 8/8/1988. Found a receipt also with purchase price of 78,00.<<<<<<<<< Printed that way. And from "Fisherman's Heaven", Australia's Largest Pro Tackle Shop, Little Street, Coffs Harbor. The weird thing is, I purchased it from *bay, 2007. Seller shipped from Wiltshire, UK. Will post pictures tomorrow.
Kim


Almost forgot. 3,281 made from 1983-1987.