Mitchell Reel Collecting

An Obscure Art Form

 By: Dennis Roberts

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  Some articles are easier to write than others. This one needed more thought to relate to its title. Many people have asked me over the years, and I am sure other collectors as well have experienced this too, why do we collect Mitchells?  What is the attraction? I’m sure Freud would have had a good response as to why we collect but I’m sure he couldn’t explain the appeal of Mitchell reels! Hopefully, his answer would have been more inline with the positive and not some idiosyncrasy in our character. Wanting to offer some hope for all Mitchell enthusiast, including myself, as to why we pursue this seamlessly endless endeavor is complicated.

 I did a little research and asked a few people, non collectors and collectors alike, about their perspective of what we collect and how they perceive the hobby. Their responses were across the board but all had one thing in common on how they view our passion for Mitchells. I think my friend, a non collector said it best, and I quote, “I guess it has some artistic value in an abstract way.”  I think of all the answers, that one struck a chord. He was correct; if you step back and look at your collection, it does take on an artistic reverence. I asked other collectors in hopes of obtaining an affirmation of my thoughts and their responses seemed to share my friend’s opinion.  Another response was equally inviting as it shares a common thread among collectors.  He said, “I collect Mitchells as an extension of my interest in fishing”, and another response was, “my first reel was a Mitchell when I was young.”  Both opinions are very revealing regarding the rationale of why we collect.  

1-Millionth presentation model 300

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Mitchell’s 498

The Beginning Of The End

By: Dennis Roberts                                                                                               Rev 2

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 The year was 1969 when Mitchell officially introduced their model 498 saltwater reel to the general public although it was unofficially completed, tested and in circulation as early as 1967/1968. Mitchell, wanting to be innovative, yet competitive, designed the reel primarily for “heavy” saltwater applications; specifically, for surf fishing. Mitchell was right on target with this model as it filled a niche with fisherman who demanded toughness and dependability. The 498 would provide the necessary strength and capacity to handle most game fish found in the surf. The 498 was fitted with hardened bronze gearing, an extended manual pickup arm (later changed to a retractable system), an extra long handle to increase torque and retrieval, and an extra large spool to handle a large capacity of line. The entire package was well suited for the task and received good results. From its debut it established itself as a premier saltwater entry by Mitchell.   

First issue having no indent, hub modification or finger grip 1967-68

 Over the years, the 498 went through a series of refinements, both internally and externally. Collectors for the most part, divide the 498 into 3 different periods of change plus special issue. The first period starts at 1969 until 1978. This is when “Mitchell” was inscribed on the bodies. The second period, from 1979 until 1992, is when Mitchell switched to raised lettering and introduced different body colors. The third period is from 1992 until 2000. This period is identified by the inclusion of the letter (X) next to the 498 logo and a re-sculpturing of the body to have smoother lines. From 1996 until 2000, special issue 498X models were manufactured and marketed in very limited quantities. Read more