Mitchell Reel Forum

Can someone explain to me the 900 series spinning reels? How do the various model numbers size an usage . is there a article on these reels

I own a 908 right handed & 909 left handed set of reels from the 900 numbered group. My reels are the ultra light reels of the series. Nice reels, fast retrieve.

Years ago i owned a 900, it was a fast retrieve version of a Mitchell 300, with a skirted spool. It was a bit longer in dimension to the 300 that I owned.

Glen in Nova Scotia

RSG,
Here's a belated to the Mitchell Reel Museum.
I owned a 900 a long time ago, but stayed with the 300s which are both general purpose reels. I used the 300 for everything from large catfish to trout.
The 906 would compare to the 306/406 for heavy fresh water and light salt water use. The 908 and 308/408s are ultra-lights. People love these for trout.

I liked the old one piece bails on the 300 better than the three piece bails on the the 900.

Regards,
Ted Lanham

Me too Ted, I lost a screw for the bail and never found a replacement. I just went back to using my 300. I mostly used the 900 for trolling, sometimes with a downrigger. It was a good reel. I used it for 4 or 5 seasons.

Glen

If memory serves me right the 900 series was Mitchells 1st High Speed reel with the skirted spool. Nice reels with a faster retrieve.
Kim

My 908 and 909 have a 5 to 1 retrieve according to the print on the skirt.

Good day Ed,

I am sure that my 300 had 5 to 1 lettered on it as well. It was a faster retrieve than my 300. I first used it for Walleye in Ontario. I would cast from shore with a Little Cleo spoon, or drift fish using a worm on a No.3 Mepps spinner. I was fishing the Bay of Quinte at Belleville and Trenton. I often caught my limit of small walleyes.

G. Glen Simpson
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

I meant to say in my last post that my 900 had 5 to 1 written on it, I said 300.

Sorry 'bout that

Glen

Bonaventure wrote: ↑Mon Dec 20, 2021 11:21 am I meant to say in my last post that my 900 had 5 to 1 written on it, I said 300.

Sorry 'bout that

Glen

I had no idea of the faster ratio. Well, actually, the only thing I knew about the 900 is the skirted spool, but is the 900 spool the same diameter as the 300, or smaller or larger? I wonder what the line retrieve rate (inches per turn of the handle) ends up being. From watching videos on Youtube I see the gearing is similar.
Thanks.

linewinder, Not sure if same diameter but they are not interchangeable to my knowledge. Reason being is the 900 series has the skirted spool which fits over the reel. Whereas the regular 300 fits inside the rotor. Hope this helps.
Kim

Hi Mitchell Mates - I always thought the 300 quoted retrieve ratio was 3.5:1 and sometimes it is quoted has 3.75:1.
The Mitchell 410/400 series reels are quoted as having a 5:1 retrieve ratio.
The faster retrieve 300 size reels are the 810 and 840 series of reels which have a 6:1 retrieve ratio.
The skirted 900 series of Mitchell reels were not generally available here in the UK, although some people did acquire them.
Regards Grahamwin