While I've acquired something of a collection of vintage spinning reels over the years, my primary interest has always been in actually fishing them rather than collecting. While I've got a good assortment of them, a few makes and models definitely see the water more than others. These are mine, interested to hear what others are using, for what, and why.
Daiwa 1600c. I use this reel a ton, mostly for targeting big pike but it catches lots of walleye too. IMO all the higher end Daiwa's from this era are just super trouble free to use and simple to maintain. The C stands out for having the nicest line lay, and lacking the push button spool of the later reels its got bigger drag washers and a smidge more line capacity.
Mitchell 300. Pike, Walleye, trout... I regularly use these for just about everything. Another reel that is very easy to use and maintain, and somehow performs much better than it really should. Lighter than a lot of other reels of this size you can stick on on a relatively light rod without the balance getting out of whack. Cheap to buy and easy to find parts for.
Daiwa 130RL. I mostly use this reel for trout in open water, and pike/ walleye/ burbot through the ice. I think its only a little lighter than the 300, but physically its much smaller. Also smoother and with a much better drag. These can be found for dirt cheap and are the easyest reels to service that I've ever owned.
Some I like:
Mitchell 300 (and cousins, i.e. 300A, 300C, 400, etc.): There are probably stronger built reels, and these can be finicky as far as bails getting bent, bail trips getting out of alignment, and, oh, those shims! But, you know what? I still enjoy using them probably more than any other of the reels I have. In hand, they just provide more satisfaction to me than any other. And, I have caught an awful lot of fish on them.
Shakespeare 2071 and 2081: for bigger fish, I trust these reels more than just about any other. Steel pinion and main gears provide maximum strength, and their generally all metal construction does not disappoint. And that maroon color is phenomenal.
Abu Garcia 653 Cardinal: There are dozens of reels from this vintage that all seem about the same features-wise, but I have always had good use from this reel for small to medium sized game. Seems to cast super nice. A bit of a soft spot in my heart for the rear drag, and with a ball bearing and an A/R set up ahead of the gear train, it does not feel like an el cheapo reel.
Some honorable mentions: Shimano MLX 300 (has always worked for me on medium-bigger fish); Berkley 426 (like a Timex watch--just keeps on ticking); Heddon 222 (nothing special, but I love the green color combo).
Frank
Haven't used one but I want a Penn 706z or a bailess 704z. Throwing jigs from a jetty with either one of them would be great.
Penn 712,DQ 220,Zebco Cardinal 4.
I recently was gifted a Daiwa 1300C from a generous member ;)
I haven't fished it yet but it spins for days.
Not meaning to hijack,but I am curious assuming 1600C is the next size up how many were in that series of Daiwa reels?
Also,
Which reels thru the years offered a PUM option?
What are the differences between the Mitchell 400 & 410?
I believe the biggest difference between the 400 and 410 is that the 400 has bushings on the main shaft and pinion, where the 410 has roller bearings.
Frank
Quote from: jgp12000 on April 21, 2026, 11:21:15 AMPenn 712,DQ 220,Zebco Cardinal 4.
I recently was gifted a Daiwa 1300C from a generous member ;)
I haven't fished it yet but it spins for days.
Not meaning to hijack,but I am curious assuming 1600C is the next size up how many were in that series of Daiwa reels?
Also,
Which reels thru the years offered a PUM option?
What are the differences between the Mitchell 400 & 410?
I want to say there are about 6-8 sizes of the C's. My preference are the 1600 and up, where the AR is on the rotor rather than the main gear. Beyond being a stronger system they just have a much more smooth, robust feel to them IMO.
Cant help with the rest but I will say that I found the 400 to be a disappointing reel, on mine the internals are nicely upgraded with a brass main gear, silent AR, and roller bearing on the mainshaft. Mine does not have roller bearings on the pinion. The problem IMO is that the 300's oscillation system generates too much internal friction and increasing the gear ratio seems to also increase the cranking resistance, to the point where I just find it less enjoyable to fish. A less obvious issue is that if you are increasing speed in one direction, you are also increasing torque in the opposite direction, and with the AR on the main gear the internals are subjected to more stress. Probably not a major problem within the normal scope of use for these reels, but its worth noting that the majority of manufacturers moved the AR to the rotor as the gear ratios increased.
In summary, IMHO Mitchell got optimal performance out of the 300 platform on its first try, and the results of subsequent attempts at improvement were pretty
meh.
Does it have to be a spinner? Sorry. I just can't force myself to pretend to enjoy fishing any recessed spool spinner.
Newell 220 - like a high speed squidder that can hold its own against reef fish. Need I say more?
Abu ambassadeur 2500c (heavily modified) - being under gunned against bass is always a ton of fun.
Ambassadeur 6500c (CT mod and a bunch of other stuff) - nothing I own can compete when it comes to casting. Nothing even comes close.
Daiwa SS700 - it's vintage status is up for debate given it was still in production until like 2022. But by my understanding the SS line began production in its current form in the mid 80s, making it one of the longest running spinners. But they're still not common on the resale market because it's still hard to find someone who wants to sell theirs. It casts like a dream and is stronger than can be readily explained, and it's just pleasant to use. I haven't fished mine in like 3 years but there's no chance I'd ever sell it.
Try as I may the Mitchell 300 series just never "felt right" to me. I kept a couple just to say I have them, but never fish them. The exception is the 304...the little round one works really well for me.
My most common user-reels are Shakespeare 2052 and 2062 variants, they just feel right to me. If I could only have one type of reel it'd be a 2062 of some sort.
Aside from Shakespeare, my Bretton, Harrison Bretton and Martin Bretton reels are nice too, and feel very similar to the Shakespeares.
Still tinkering with my Italian reels, haven't fished any of them yet aside from one of the Alcedo Micron, which I enjoy.
I don't collect reel just fish with them . I quit using Mitchell reel long time ago because too much trouble and to me Mitchell is most difficult reel to work with . Right now the only Michell reel that I'm using is Mitchell 408 for crappie fishing simply I rarely cast just use it to store line , I like it for loud drag click
I start use Dam Quick reel as they required less maintenant more reliable then stay with series 1000,2000 they're my favorite until now
I start use Daiwa for cheaper than Dam Quick then stay with Daiwa BG series only draw back bail spring broke quite often until I learn to close bail by hand then using Whisker SS as my favorite now
Jgp 12000 :Not meaning to hijack,but I am curious assuming 1600C is the next size up how many were in that series of Daiwa reels?
On C series I know there are 500C,700C ? ,1000C ,1300C,1600C ,2600C ....don't know about bigger size The bushings on these reel when worn out will allow gear misalignment , replace with bearings will solve problems
Quote from: quang tran on April 21, 2026, 05:24:17 PMI don't collect reel just fish with them . I quit using Mitchell reel long time ago because too much trouble and to me Mitchell is most difficult reel to work with . Right now the only Michell reel that I'm using is Mitchell 408 for crappie fishing simply I rarely cast just use it to store line , I like it for loud drag click
I start use Dam Quick reel as they required less maintenant more reliable then stay with series 1000,2000 they're my favorite until now
I start use Daiwa for cheaper than Dam Quick then stay with Daiwa BG series only draw back bail spring broke quite often until I learn to close bail by hand then using Whisker SS as my favorite now
Jgp 12000 :Not meaning to hijack,but I am curious assuming 1600C is the next size up how many were in that series of Daiwa reels?
On C series I know there are 500C,700C ? ,1000C ,1300C,1600C ,2600C ....don't know about bigger size The bushings on these reel when worn out will allow gear misalignment , replace with bearings will solve problems
I've owned the 4000C and I know there was a 7000, which I think was the largest. I think the largest sizes often had more bearings.
For reference the 2600C is about the equivalent of a current 5000 sized reel.
I went through some of my old stuff that I inherited from my FIL. A Mitchell 300 and 302 that look brand new. A Recordette rear drag, a Langley streamette, a Southbend 88 spin caster. A couple of ancient looking baitcasters that don't have a drag.
One I've yet to see mentioned is Shimano's Triton TSS-3 and TSS-4 Speedmasters.
Tough and built light, with a reinforced metal side-plate and rigid graphite frame. These reels have a waterproof drag and fast gearing, yet retain a reasonable amount of torque.
Great for working lures over the reef or casting bait from the rocks and the beach—-anywhere you need a tough low-maintenance spinner with ample line capacity, this reel is right at home.
Daiwa SS Tournament for sure. 35 years on store shelves and never missed a beat. Level wind oscillation, silicon nitride line roller, brass pinion gear, brass level wind gear, and a tapered long stroke spool. The SS Tournament was Daiwa engineering at its peak in my opinion. Most of what they have made since sacrificed something along the line.
(https://i.imgflip.com/apscwj.jpg)
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on April 21, 2026, 03:14:30 PMAmbassadeur 6500c (CT mod and a bunch of other stuff) - nothing I own can compete when it comes to casting. Nothing even comes close.
I love my 6500c. I've caught some big fish on it. It's my goto inshore reel for fishing bays and kelp.
Ok I thought of 2 more,My 1st baitcaster combo (new rod now) bought on my 1st TDY to Granby,CT Airguard "Flying Yankees" base in '86 at the BX. Shimano Bantam10xSG & Blackmax 1600 I traded Rob for.
Tonight I got a double, hung a LMB on the Bantam & then the cork went under on the 1600 caught a bream with a red wiggler on the bottom.
I'm looking forward to fishing this Langley 330. I grabbed it at a swap meet not long ago for $5. I'm going to back fill with 10lb Mason braided nylon and top it off with some #1.5 (0.205mm) Seaguar Grand max x8. The maiden voyage will be Sunday morning on the local trout stream. It'll be paired with a Graywolf 4'10" 2-6lb.
Rob,
Is that spool the OEM?
Quote from: jgp12000 on April 22, 2026, 01:10:00 PMRob,
Is that spool the OEM?
yep, Langley was the first to use a ported aluminum spool in 1946 with the Target tournament reel. The 330 is essentially a Target tat doesn't have the ability to disengage the handle from the soil. After the reel exited the market in the late 60s, it wouldn't be until around 2000 when Shimano used a ported spool. The one in this weighs near the same as a modern 100 size Shimano MGL spool.
Rob, the Target (my favorite) doesn't have a levelwind like all the other Langley baitcasters. I'm going to stop collecting and running up the auction price for Targets so they will start becoming somewhat less expensive. But, they are unlikely to ever get back to the $20 to $30 level like they were decade ago.
Quote from: oc1 on April 22, 2026, 05:33:49 PMRob, the Target (my favorite) doesn't have a levelwind like all the other Langley baitcasters. I'm going to stop collecting and running up the auction price for Targets so they will start becoming somewhat less expensive. But, they are unlikely to ever get back to the $20 to $30 level like they were decade ago.
I think a Target would be a fine reel to have. So far I have a trio of 330s and a pair of 310s. I may need to stop this madness someday.
Too many to list. Any Penn greenie or z. Favorite is the 710. Even with the hated bail most guys complain snaps during cast. I figured out how to work around that. Any Luxor. Airex beachcomber and vagabond. USA made maroon Shakespeare. Like the 2062. Langley/zebco 870,860,830. Mitchell 302,306,406,386,486. I can go on and on.
Quote from: Reels_penn4life on April 24, 2026, 02:33:01 AMToo many to list. Any Penn greenie or z. Favorite is the 710. Even with the hated bail most guys complain snaps during cast. I figured out how to work around that. Any Luxor. Airex beachcomber and vagabond. USA made maroon Shakespeare. Like the 2062. Langley/zebco 870,860,830. Mitchell 302,306,406,386,486. I can go on and on.
So whats your secret? Do you just use the timing thing or other? I periodically check out the 1st gen Spinfishers, some day I'll probably crack and get one but until then I've got a few old Dam Quicks. The Dam Quicks are very similar, and for actual fishing they really arent my favourites, so any time I get too tempted to buy a Z I just go fish the Dam Quicks for awhile and the urge passes.
My Dam Quick Super in particular is bad for snapping the bail shut, even timed in the various recommended positions.
I'm keeping mine a secret so the prices don't increase. 😬
Keep a pair of M 301's, southpaw here, one in Fl the other on Cape Cod as my backups, they do get used and never disappoint. Pair of 49 Deep Sea's usually in the rod holders inshore, 114H and 115 outside.
I've had a bunch of fun with Shimano Baitrunners. Trolling an area in the Sacramento Delta with live minnows in a blinding fog was exhilarating. I was letting out about 40 feet of line and periodically goosing the electric motor. You'd hear a big splash and then wait for the line to go tight. Turn the handle and engage the main drag, woohoo!
A vintage Jigmaster still works great!
Daiwa SS Tournament for me. I don't use them for the sake of fishing vintage, I use them because they work!
I have a DQ 2001 that I'm excited to put through it's paces next. I seem to have similar preferences to quang tran on reels and he really enjoys the DQs of that era, I probably will too.
Some folks have gotten into baitcasters in this thread so I'll bite there too.
Daiwa PT-33 series is my 'heavy' bass reel.
Slosh series does everything I need from catfish to surf fishing.
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on April 21, 2026, 03:14:30 PMDoes it have to be a spinner? Sorry. I just can't force myself to pretend to enjoy fishing any recessed spool spinner.
Newell 220 - like a high speed squidder that can hold its own against reef fish. Need I say more?
Abu ambassadeur 2500c (heavily modified) - being under gunned against bass is always a ton of fun
I'm a big time 2500 fan, I'd love to see yours! I've got a 4500D that's been tuned too and it's a blast too. I'm getting into older spinning stuff still!
Here's mine:
Wow, the coveted green side plates. That must have set you back.
I do the timing thing yes. It's necessary. But I go one step further. I keep my finger by the bail as I lean back. To stop the rotor from moving. So the rotor doesn't spin to build momentum and hit the bail release studs on the bearing plate as you reach the bottom of the cast. Thats when it always snaps. Also the bearing plate needs to be installed correctly. I have nearly 150 710 greenies now. Most have the bearing plate installed wrong from who ever serviced it. The bail just needs to tap the studs slightly to close. The 710z has the worst bearing plate. I swap in a 710green bearing plate on all my z. The rubber ring won't all the bail release arm to fully open. And it just has the 1 stud. On a 704, never grease the rubber bail stopper that goes on the bearing plate. Keep dry. That holds the rotor from spinning. Lots of guys lube them for some reason. Or the shrink and get hard over time.