Curious about my reel.

Spylude92 · Post by **Spylude92** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 6:57 pm

When I was younger, around 14 , now 24. A man I worked for had been everywhere and done everything. He knew I liked fishing, and I would spend hours looking at his old stuff. Including his tackle boxes.
Anyway, one day he gave me a reel. I stored it several years ago, and stumbled accross it the other day.
I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about this reel. I do plan on keeping it, im just wonering if I should fish with it. It has two spools, one of them show's it was last respooled 2/14/68 with Garcia Bonnyl, 2lb. test,100 yds. As for the reel, it is black and labled Mitchell 308, Made in France. I may have found a serial # on the bottom (0011253).
I would like to know the history, and value of this piece, I have searched for a while but found very little.
Thanks for you help in advance.

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 7:25 pm

The Mitchell 308 is a sweet little ultralight. It was first introduced in Europe in 1963 and made it's way to the US soon after. The first model did not have the word "Garcia" on it and is rare. In 1964, the Garcia inscription was added for the US market. The line lasted until the 308A in 1979. There are slight detail changes through the years as well as packaging changes that Mitchell collectors look for. Most are common and would be perfect for fishing. Just keep dirt and grit out of the spring housing. Jim

Spylude92 · Post by **Spylude92** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:03 pm

All it has on the side is Mitchell 308, it does not say Garcia. So is it a first year production? If so an estimated value?
Thanks for your reply.

Spylude92 · Post by **Spylude92** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:19 pm

I posted a pic of the reel on my website.
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif? ... index.html
Thanks for any further reply's

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:07 pm

That looks like the first model to me. It's rare but not extremely rare. You might check with Dennis Roberts or Ben Wright on the current value. I'm not up on spinning as much as others in the club. Go to the home page and get into the email addresses for help. Good luck.

piscesman · Post by **piscesman** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 8:31 pm

Dennis Roberts book "MitchellCollector's Reference" has your reel made about 1967. The main difference is "France" stamped on the side instead of the reel foot. Probably made for the European market. Handle is different also. Earlier models have the spring loaded one like in your picture. Later ones have the screw on end.Very rare reel to get a hold of, according to the book. Ben Wright's reel book has it priced at $100 in
MINT SHAPE! Very important. Less than mint the price drops accordingly. I myself wouldn't fish with it. See below. You make your own choice. If you want to know how to grade your reel go to the first page in ORCA and click on reel grading pages. It helps to be honest in your grading. After-all would you want to buy a reel from someone in mint shape (10) when it really is only fair(5-6). Good luckand buy your friend a nice cold beer...
Kim

Curious about my reel.

Curious about my reel.

308

Curious about my reel

Picture of the reel

308