Which Mitchell should I look for?

[bja105]

Lately I have been primarily Surf fishing with classic reels from the 60's to 80's. I fish with Penn conventionals, 350, 140, 155, 160. Spinning reels I use Penn 712, 710, 704 (Greenies and Z's). My favorites are the 750SS and 850SS my father bought us in the 80's.

I also have a 10' fiberglass surf rod Dad inherited from his uncle. I think he used the Mitchell 307 that I have. It is in rough shape and needs some parts. My problem is that I hate the right hand cranking.

What Mitchel reels should I be looking out for in a similar size? Left hand crank, appropriate for casting bait in the surf with 10-12' rods. I have used manual pick up and bailed reels, either works for me.

Is there a good online explanation of the differences? All I know is the 400's are a faster retrieve ratio, the 300 is common and small, and that's it.

[jgp12000]

I like the 302/402,PM sent.

[foakes]

You certainly and already have some top quality reels in both spinners and Conventionals, Jason —-

Sounds like your Dad set a good example.

To answer your question directly concerning a Mitchell for your use —- the easiest solution is a Mitchell 306 or 406.  These have the cranks on the left side, and while many folks may criticize these reels —- they are well engineered, capable, not complicated to service, and do well in the salt.  And they wash out well after a trip.  The size on these is exactly like your 307 —- about halfway between a 300 and a 302.  The 302/402 is a heavier reel and also built for salt.  First thing to consider might be to determine if you need a regular speed reel for more cranking torque, or a higher speed reel for increased retrieve speed, but less retrieve torque with a fish on.

If you decide to use a 300/400 reel in the surf on a regular basis —- the gears are not very strong and it will become a throw-away reel in a couple of years of regular use.

The Penns do extremely well in the surf.  And you already have those.

A couple of other reels to look at would be the Cardinals & DAM Quicks.

In the Cardinal made in Sweden reels the 6 & 7 would do a good job for you.

In the DQ's, the 330/331, 440, 550, 5000 & 5001 would be the ones to accomplish your fishing goals.  A 5001 with a skirted aluminum spool and the bronze & steel worm  drive-train would go well on one of your 10'to 12' surf rods —- and could become a life-long friend, passed down to your kids.

Lots of expert folks on here could offer advice & help answer your questions also.

And it sounds like you already have a good handle on your angling needs.

If you need parts and/or any reels —- I would have most of what you might need in Mitchell, DQ, Cardinals, and Penns.

Best, Fred

[jtwill98]

Fred has you covered.

A couple of things I will and regarding Mitchell reels, left-hand reels are even numbers (300,302,306, etc.), the right-hand reels are odd numbers (301,303,307, etc) the 400 series have faster retrieve speeds than the 300 reels.