Crow Horse

Found the same bail system on certain Abu Garcia spinners and this video answers my question about reassembly. Unfortunately it doesn't tell me where my AWOL part is hiding. I'm OCD with certain things as well as competitive (challenging myself), so it would drive me mad if I couldn't get this reel back in service. From now on, if I disassemble anything that has an internal spring, I'll do it in an enclosed container...... Here's the video that shows the same type of bail system that is used on the Mitchell.

Even before I cracked open the Mitchell I was looking for another spinner. Not that I needed it but the current situation is much like getting rid of a vehicle because it has a flat tire. Once I get this resolved, I'll look for another reel to add to the arsenal. The current front runner is the Piscifun Carbon X 3000. Time will tell if this becomes a reality......

I'll search more on YouTube. The 300Pro teardown didn't address the bail. Maybe there's something similar.This reel is #4 and is my spare reel. The other 3 are 300 Pro's and I'm hesitant in sneaking a peek at them fearing that the same might happen. I'll wait till the part arrives and then I'll try to figure out the proper orientation/configuration. If all else fails, I'll send it out to have someone more knowing work their magic. I'm not giving up that easy.......

I should know better and the following is the bane of my existence...... I was servicing one of my Mitchell 300 Pro's and successfully tore it down, cleaned it out, lubed and reassembled without incident. I then began to loosen the bail screws to allow oil to drift into the mechanism and apparently I loosened them too much and the spring became undone (something I had hoped wouldn't happen). In my attempt to reassemble it, the plastic bail arm spring guide shot out at mach speed into the abyss. I could present a compelling argument contradicting "Matter can be neither created nor destroyed". After an hour of searching for the AWOL part, I decided to just order a replacement part. Not so easy as parts seem to be as common as hen's teeth. I did find an Abu Garcia part with the identical part number and it looked to be the correct part. I'll see when it arrives. Till then, I'm looking for the correct orientation of the parts for the bail. At this juncture, I feel like a chimpanzee sitting in front of a typewriter trying to type out a work of Shakespeare. Any help out there besides contacting Jane Goodall? Thanks.....

A leash might be a better option. Virtually everything on my yak is leashed. I use NeverLost leashes. Top quality and priced right or you can DIY......

Just ordered it and I'm looking forward to reading it......

When I fish, not only am I looking to "blend in" visually, but on another level, which might be difficult for many to understand, I'm looking to be a "part of" not "apart from".......

Another good point to consider. How one plays a large fish is another variable. I've had large bass cross the bow and go under the yak. A shorter rod makes controlling a fish easier when close to the yak. Again, on the flip side, a longer rod makes controlling a fish that is hell bent on getting wrapped around my anchor line or drag chute a bit easier..... After rereading the OP's question, for his requirements, the shorter rod would be a better choice ( 6- 6'6 )........

I'm on the flip side of this regarding rod length. I have a 10' yak and I've found that a 7' rod allows me to play a fish around the bow without issue. A shorter rod might be an issue. Just something to consider....

Based on all the reviews I've read, this reel is a good buy and a quality unit. The only thing that bothers me is the lack of support and spare parts available. Are all reels at this price point disposable? The Mitchells that I'm currently using have the same issue......

Even though you haven't used it yet, what are your first impressions?

I'm considering a Piscifun Carbon X 3000 for a future purchase to add to my arsenal of Mitchell 300PRO's. From my reading reviews, it seems like a very well made reel and has many positive reviews. Has anyone had any direct experience with them?

More food for thought.... https://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/bass-eyesight.html

I'll be sticking to my stealth-mode fishing clothes: drab cotton long-sleeved pocketed button-downs from Goodwill at $3 ea. Worn more than a few out I have. I have a Viet Nam era ERDL (jungle leaf) camo that's just been retired from the fishing rotation. I figure after 50 years it doesn't owe me anything. Now it's either ABU tigers or Marpat (desert or woodland) to keep stealthy..... For most this must sound insignificant or just plain ridiculous but my approach is to pay attention to details, no matter how seemingly insignificant. It's a mental game and just might make the difference when it counts......

Awesome info!!!!!! Thanks!

Personal preference and it depends on what type of fishing you're engaged in.... I'm in a yak so it's NSR Paddle Wet Shoes in the summer and NSR Boundry Boots when it's cooler... Lot's of guys like Crocs but I've found them to be slippery when wet and I've taken some epic tumbles.....

This is interesting. Just something to noodle...

Understood that safety trumps all. When we go out and there's the remote possibility that we will be on the water after dark I run the lights as pictured. We almost never go out on a body of water that allows motorized water craft and if we do, we'll stay tight to shore. Our usual fishing spot gets very little fishing pressure and we're the only one's on the water for 98% of the time. In that case, we don't have to worry about a collision scenario. The only issue that we had was ending up in the line of fire when some reckless kids decided to shoot into the pond (they knew we were there). It's a little disconcerting when you hear a bullet "zing" by you. We bugged out and then I straightened out the misguided youths.......

I should have been clearer. Safety first, always. But when safety won't be an issue, maybe a stealthy approach could be advantageous.... I always felt more comfortable in doing so.....

I have a copy of "What Fish See" and although I haven't read it in it's entirety, I might add another dimension to this...

Both of us have 2 way radios, so if she can't see me she can always shout me on the radio. I'm not sure in what context you mean regarding first responders. Can you expand on this?

While fishing I've always felt most comfortable blending in with the environment. Being that I'm in a yak (sit in) I'll choose my camo top of the day depending on the weather and how I plan to fish my local pond. My yak is OD and overall, I blend in pretty well. Sometimes so well that my GF on the other side of the pond (14 acre) can't see me. Either way, I'll continue to do the same but was wondering if others feel the need to blend in....

I'm pretty hopeful about using the teaser rig. My plan now is to fish one rod as I usually do and when I move to another location, have one rod setup with the teaser rig and troll to another location. I normally do this without the teaser and I've had pretty good luck although I do drop fish. When that happens I stop and fan cast. More often than not I'm able to trigger another strike. That's the game plan right now....

The way I intend to use it, the teaser will have a hook. Haven't decided on a streamer type or use a small plastic...

Basically like this.....or a variant....