17 lber on 4 lb line

[NJ219bands]

Made a miracle catch in 76 degree Gropps Lake yesterday evening with Aldi’s canned whole kernel corn on a #8 gold hook and 4 lb test line. Was fishing for bluegills with my brother John’s very old, worn out Shimano AX200 ultralight spinning reel that has missing parts and seizes up. After I hooked the carp, it swam into a downed tree in the lake. I was very lucky when it swam out of the snag without breaking my line. The reel froze up a few times but I managed to fix it each time. When I tried to beach the big one several times, it went wild, jumped, splashed, then soaked me. I was very surprised that my > 50 year old mono didn’t break. I may start using my new Mitchell reels soon. Caught and released a 5 lb channel catfish with my homemade corn meal bait on my last cast. Caught 137 fish on my last 4 cans of ShopRite corn, then only 33 on my first 4 cans of cheaper Aldi’s.

[Billfish715]

Did you ever receive a stimulus check? It was sent out to stimulate the economy. I'm sure one of the sponsors on this site would appreciate a few of your stimulus dollars with the purchase of a new outfit.

Explaining the concept of oscillating spinning reels that don't have skirted spools would take too long for the youngsters on this site to understand. I doubt if they have ever seen a non-skirted spool.

[AndyS]

Can't kill that Mitchell 300 can you ?

[NJ219bands]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

Did you ever receive a stimulus check? It was sent out to stimulate the economy. I'm sure one of the sponsors on this site would appreciate a few of your stimulus dollars with the purchase of a new outfit.

Explaining the concept of oscillating spinning reels that don't have skirted spools would take too long for the youngsters on this site to understand. I doubt if they have ever seen a non-skirted spool.

I bought a new rod at the Reel Seat last year and successfully fought a fish for 57 minutes with it this year. I usually use my fishing equipment until it breaks. I did a house clean out and now have more fishing equipment than I will ever use.

[bulletbob]

Those original Mitchells are wonderful, dependable reels that catch fish just as well,and operate as smoothly in 2021 as they did in 1965.. I understand ""supporting the local economy"" and all that, but why buy an expensive MIC reel when you already have a great classic Mitchell that still runs fine?

I still see a lot of 300's 304's, 308's at yard sales in great shape for a buck or two, because "old" I suppose. They are made better than just about any of the MIC stuff in use today.. Use it and enjoy it I say ...bob.

[Billfish715]

Great discussion There are those who choose to drive old ( classic, antique ) cars and those who want something more modern. The same can be said for fishermen and their tackle. Skirted spools vs. non skirted, bail springs vs. internal bail tripping, slow gear ratio vs. fast ratios are a few major considerations. Parts availability and repairs are also worth mentioning. There are quite a few somewhat newer reels that have a limited parts inventory. When parts become scarce, no new parts are manufactured. The hope of the companies is that fishermen will buy new reel rather than search around for someone who can repair the old one.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good fish man! Great Carp and pretty sick on 4 lb. test line! Wow!!!