Mitchell reels

[beer batter]

I recently purchased a Mitchell Copperhead spinning reel and tried it out only to discover the drag doesn't work at all. No line goes out no matter how I adjusted the drag, so I had to back reel which is not something I'm very comfortable with.

I called Mitchell customer service and they said I could send it in to their factory in Iowa but it would be left up to the technician's decision whether I would be charged because I did not keep a receipt. So now I'm thinking it might end up costing more to get the reel fixed (shipping plus repair charge) than it did for the original cost. I believe the Copperhead is a new model this year so they know it's less than a year old.

What are people's experience with Mitchell (Abu Garcia) reel repair service in Spirit Lake, IA? Good/Bad??

[Chris Haley]

Send it in!! If it's as bad as you say they won't charge you!

[Trailblazin]

The service out there is outstanding. I had an issue with a 5600C4 reel. Sent it in, and it was soooo damaged, they sent me a new one. All I paid was the shipping.

[beer batter]

Thought I'd give props to the Mitchell repair service. I sent my reel in last week and received a brand new one in the mail last night. No questions asked, all I paid for was the shipping down to Iowa ($3.87). Way to go Mitchell!

[MuleSkinner]

beer batter, I bought a Copperhead over 3 years ago. Nothing fancy about it, but I had it well balanced on a rod I used only for bottom bouncing. Don't know if mine works anymore. It is in the bottom of Big Birch lake, in 22 feet of water. It fell in accidently, while I wasn't even using it... won't get into details, but think 3 Stooges...I guess if anyone ever salvages it, they can send it in for a new one.

Glad to hear of the good service. My first spinning reel was a Mitchell 300. So it is over 30 years old. I haven't used it for years, and stored it away, in good working condition. Maybe it will be worth something in another 50 years.

[Corey Bechtold]

Glad to hear you had a good turn around. I have dealt with the nice people at Pure Fishing and their Customer Service is second to none! I have also sent them some pictures along with a thank you for their products and they have sent me some free stuff. About the Mitchell reel, I have a 308X-G and absolutely love it. Consider this reel the next time you're shopping for one. Smooth drag, long casts, easy rollover, fair price. I'd compare this reel to any other high end reel.

Go get em'

Corey Bechtold