[615329]

An oldtimer fishing buddy of mine recently gave me three Mitchell Garcia spinning reels (two 306's and a 300)that are in need of some work. All three need the bail mechanisms to be replaced and I can only assume some or all of the bearings will need to be replaced. I know the reels are no longer made but I was surprised to hear that it was practically impossible to get parts for them.

First, are the reels worth the effort of re-building them? If so, does anyone know where I can get parts for them? They seem like a nice project to get through the winter blues.

Any info would be appreciated.

A happy and healthy new year to all!

AtomAnt.

 

[Jerryvov]

AA,
I think they're worth repairing. I say that as one who has Mitchell 406, 402, 302and 300 reels and has fished with them since the 70s...yes parts can be a problem but I'd suggest the folks at BassPro (they have a repair division) or click over at www.mikesreelrepair.com
These'll give you a place to start...

Jerry Vovcsko,
moderator
East Bridgewater, Ma

 

[615329]

Jerry,

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give it a shot. Do you know where I can get exploded view drawings of the reels? I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get into it.

Thanks again,

AtomAnt

 

[JohnnyK]

I don't know where you can get parts but you are talking about great reels. Kinda like Penn 704 or 706 simple and reliable.

 

[Rick G]

Atom,
Check out www.birdscustom.com You can get "exploded views" of all old series mitchells and he stocks vintage parts too.

 

[611906]

Actually---the 300 is nowhere near as simple inside as the Penn 704 or 710. The later model Mitchell 386/486 and 388/488 reels were masterpieces of simplicity, but as I recall, both the 300 and 302 had a planetary gear drive that was a little tricky to work on. Never had a 306 apart, so I can't speak as to that one.

The drags on those things are spring-loaded and a little hairy to work on, too. Most of them had a schematic of the drag washers and springs, and their proper order, on a decal on the bottom of the spool.

They are worth rebuilding IMO if it can be done at a reasonable cost.