Would you add line and put this 1969 in service?

[Lucky]

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. Or would you just leave it in it's box?

[Lucky]

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. I have been using it's brother ( bought both the same year) and kept this one as my back-up. Just seems to always be there. I do need to disassemble it and lube it. Thinking of putting it in service.

[piscesman]

Whatever you feel like doing. Mint in Box I would display it and locate back-ups. Plenty are out there. Is the yellow insert with the box? Plus, the paper tag on the side, still there and matches the reels serial number? All important to consider. Good Luck............
Kim

[Lucky]

The insert was misplaced many years ago. The s/n faded but the tag is there.

[Schrack]

I agree, just look at it, Out of my 100 plus I have 2 in box I just look at.
Reminds me when I bought my 1st, nd what a feeling that was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lucky]

I've decided to spool it and fish it. 7 foot, medium action Fenwick rod. Smallest fish:Black snapper 1-2 lbs, The largest fish would be a Black Drum, probably in the 30 lbs range. What line would you suggest? We are seeing Jack Crevalles attacking live baits. (Mostly fish the sound, from a wooden dock). May include a picture, if I can resize it. Black Drum love to crunch on crabs.

[Lucky]

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. 31.5 lbs. I am thinking 12 lb mono, but would love to hear your thoughts. Will be doing a complete servicing on the reel first. I figure a brand new Shimano, Daiwa or Penn would cost me more than 200.00 and would not be near as much fun. Just seems a waste to keep this sitting in a box. I will dismount it after each fishing adventure, rinse, spray and rebox it. I do have it's twin that has been in service since 1969.

[Bonaventure]

Mitchell 300 reels are not rare, but in this condition, they are. I would not fish this one, and I am not a collector. Most of my 300s are repainted.

G. Glen Simpson
Dartmouth Nova Scotia

[reynolds531]

It is always a big decision as to use a vintage NOS reel. I have a 304 that by looking at it has never been used. I don't have the papers or box. That said, it is in pristine condition or at least it was. I used it yesterday while fishing on a river in Ontario. It was flawlessly. I had a few comments from other anglers. One asked me if it was indeed a Mitchell as he could tell by the sound of it even with the anti-reverse turned off. Do I regret using it? Not at all. I had never used a 304 before and I will use it again.

[Lucky]

Ended up spooling the large spool with 10lb test. Caught about ten black snapper (lost count) and three were of legal size. Rinsed the reel off, dried and wrapped it in a small towel, then placed it into a camera case. This reel will last me the rest of my life.