So, for some reason, I can't bring myself to fish spinnerbaits with a baitcast reel.  I use a bc for almost anything else, but don't like it for spinnerbaits.  So, in an effort to maintain a low retrieve speed, I turned to an old Mitchell 300 spinning reel that has a 3.75:1 ratio (I haven't measured the IPT yet).

 

Anyway, I forgot how uncomfortable the twist handle knob is on those things.  Has anyone found or made their own aftermarket knob for their 300?  It can be a paddle type or round, I don't care, just looking for ideas before I take a stab at it on my lathe.

 

Thanks,

 

Dave

Im planning to do the same thing to a few old Ambassadeur handles soon.  There are a couple videos on youtube that show how. Just key in replacing riveted knob with custom knob under the search.  You have to break off the old knob and drill out its rivet or connection to the handle.  japantackle and a few other asian aftermarket bling houses offer fancy knobs.  The trick is to find one with a new post which you will have to screw on to the old handle. 

You have to break off the old knob and drill out its rivet or connection to the handle.  japantackle and a few other asian aftermarket bling houses offer fancy knobs.  The trick is to find one with a new post which you will have to screw on to the old handle. 

Thanks!  The knob on the handle I have is held on with a screw.  I took it off the handle to clean it all up before I spooled up the reel.  That might make things a bit easier since I can use the original screw.

Is this just for nostalgic purposes?  Even a $40 current reel is much better!

Is this just for nostalgic purposes? Even a $40 current reel is much better!

What's better about nylon chrome painted plastic and pig metal. Designed today obsolete tomorrow. At least the Mitchell after 50 years still has parts available. Can't say that about many 40 buck doyo clone plastic wonders.

Is this just for nostalgic purposes?  Even a $40 current reel is much better!

I do really still like the old 300.  On top of that, I haven't found too many new reels with a low retrieve ratio.  Most I've seen seem to be well over 5 or 6:1.

A few generations ago, most items were "Well Engineered" with ability to almost always be repaired. Nowadays, throw away faucets, throw away cars, etc.. Older, oftentimes IS better, but not always.. Still need parts.

If you want the original bass fishing spinning reel look for the ABU Swiss made Cardinal 4 spinning reel. Bullet proof and one of the smoothest drags ever. The old Mitchell 300 was a good reel in the 60's, the Cardinal 4 was far superior for bass.

Tom

Aka Oldcshool

PS, Zebco made the later versions, same reel if it has the Swiss made badge.

I just got a Zebco Cardinal 6 this weekend. Big thing it is but not too heavy.

Look for a Z series penn also they are bullet proof ultra light to heavy

Looks like I'm late but Check out a Mitchell 400 handle and knob. They're a lot bigger.

Ahhhhhh the sound of my Mitchell 300 reel clicking away on the retrieve brings back so many memories.

 

I dragged mine up from the basement after reading this thread. It is one solid, heavy machine. Things were built to last back then. 50 years and still clicking!

Wow, i forgot all about this thread!  I ended up running across a Gator Grip handle for the 300 on the auction site.   Fits the job just about perfectly.   And yeah,  there is just something about that solid clock of the bail trip and then the clicking of the the retrieve!

I had 1 spinning reel that clicked, it used to drive my dad crazy so I'd turn it on when he would aggravate me 

8 hours ago, DaveT63 said:

Wow, i forgot all about this thread!  I ended up running across a Gator Grip handle for the 300 on the auction site.   Fits the job just about perfectly.   And yeah,  there is just something about that solid clock of the bail trip and then the clicking of the the retrieve!

I found the thread myself, digging through. Wanted to set up a couple of indestructible backup duty reels out of a box in the basement. Call me crazy but I believe I'm about to order ceramic bearings and carbon fiber drag washers for a 300 C and a 410, the 300 will most definitely have a better handle. Do any of you, by chance, have any other tips or upgrades? 

On 3/11/2015 at 4:46 PM, WRB said:

If you want the original bass fishing spinning reel look for the ABU Swiss made Cardinal 4 spinning reel. Bullet proof and one of the smoothest drags ever. The old Mitchell 300 was a good reel in the 60's, the Cardinal 4 was far superior for bass.

Tom

Aka Oldcshool

PS, Zebco made the later versions, same reel if it has the Swiss made badge.

this.....